KOSPI Index · KOSDAQ Index
KOSPI Scales New Peaks Amid AI Chip Euphoria and Value-up Momentum
The South Korean stock market continued its historic ascent on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with the benchmark KOSPI index reaching another record high. Despite intensifying profit-taking from foreign investors, the market was bolstered by relentless demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors and the ongoing structural reforms driven by the government’s “Corporate Value-up Program.” The KOSPI record high rally remains the dominant story of the year as the index defies global volatility.
Market Indices Performance
At the close of trading, the KOSPI finished at 5,824.12 points, up 49.05 points or 0.85% from the previous session. The index fluctuated throughout the day as foreign selling met strong institutional and retail buying. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy KOSDAQ index also edged higher, closing at 1,120.45, an increase of 4.68 points or 0.42%.
| Index | Closing Value | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 5,824.12 | +49.05 | +0.85% |
| KOSDAQ | 1,120.45 | +4.68 | +0.42% |
Semiconductors Lead the Charge
The rally was once again spearheaded by semiconductor heavyweights. SK Hynix (000660) saw significant gains, closing up 4.94% at 1,005,000 won. Market leader Samsung Electronics (005930) also climbed 1.53%, reaching 193,000 won, as global demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips continues to outpace supply. The semiconductor sector’s growth has become the bedrock of the Korean market’s valuation re-rating.
Foreign Investor Flows and Institutional Support
A notable trend in today’s session was the divergence between investor groups. Foreign investors were net sellers for the third consecutive session, offloading approximately 415 billion won worth of shares to lock in profits from the year’s stellar gains. However, this selling pressure was effectively absorbed by institutional investors, who net purchased 380 billion won, and retail investors, who added 52 billion won to their holdings. Analysts suggest that while foreigners are trimming positions, the overall sentiment remains bullish due to improved corporate governance and dividend prospects.
Top Gainers and Losers
- SK Hynix (000660): +4.94% – Reached a milestone closing of 1,005,000 won amid AI chip leadership.
- LG Energy Solution (373220): +1.8% – Recovering sentiment in the EV battery sector amid news of new supply contracts in Europe.
- Samsung Electronics (005930): +1.53% – Reached 193,000 won, driven by HBM4 development progress.
- Naver (035420): -0.5% – Slight correction as investors shifted capital toward hardware and manufacturing.
- Celltrion (068270): -1.1% – Underperformed the broader market as the healthcare sector faced short-term consolidation.
Conclusion and Market Outlook
The KOSPI record high rally shows little sign of fatigue, supported by solid fundamentals in the tech sector and a favorable policy environment. While short-term volatility may arise from foreign profit-taking and global interest rate uncertainties, the structural shift in the Korean market’s valuation continues to attract long-term capital. Investors are now looking toward the upcoming earnings season for further confirmation of the AI-driven growth narrative.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Investing in the stock market involves risks, and individuals should consult with a professional advisor before making any investment decisions.