South Korean stocks surged late Monday morning, poised to extend their winning streak to a 12th consecutive session. The benchmark KOSPI index rose 0.95 percent to 4,886.52 as of 11:20 a.m. Gains in auto, shipbuilding, and semiconductor sectors drove the rally.
In Seoul on January 19, South Korean stocks opened slightly lower but mounted a strong recovery late Monday morning. The KOSPI index, after rising 0.14 percent to 4,847.69 in the first 15 minutes, climbed 45.78 points, or 0.95 percent, to 4,886.52 by 11:20 a.m., surpassing Friday's record close of 4,840.74.
The auto sector led the gains prominently. Hyundai Motor surged 12.59 percent, fueled by news of expanded U.S. market share in 2025 through increased local production and strong hybrid sales, while its affiliate Kia advanced 6.68 percent. In semiconductors, SK hynix added 1.98 percent, and Samsung Electronics rose 0.13 percent. Transportation equipment, metals, and securities stocks also drove early momentum.
In contrast, financial, bio, and IT shares declined. KB Financial Group fell 1.15 percent, Celltrion dipped 1.2 percent, and Naver shed 2.44 percent. The market showed unease from U.S. fourth-quarter earnings, which pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq down 0.06 percent on Friday, alongside renewed trade tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of a 10 percent additional tariff on eight European countries opposing his Greenland acquisition plans weighed on investors.
The local currency traded at 1,475 won per U.S. dollar, down 1.4 won from the prior session. This positions the KOSPI for a potential 12th consecutive winning session following an 11-day rally.
