South Korean stocks opened at a fresh record high above 7,900 points on Tuesday, propelled by gains in major chipmakers. The KOSPI rose to 7,953.41 at the opening bell, marking the first time the index has crossed the 7,900 level.
The KOSPI rose 131.17 points, or 1.68 percent, to 7,953.41 at the opening bell, briefly touching 7,999.67.
On Monday the index had closed at a record 7,822.24, up 4.32 percent, after breaching 7,800 for the first time. Gains were led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.
The move followed overnight advances in U.S. tech stocks amid optimism for artificial intelligence growth. However, geopolitical uncertainty persists due to stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump said he is considering renewing Project Freedom to guide vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.