[Morning 2026-04-24] KOSPI Hits Record 6,500 Threshold on AI Chip Demand

Samsung Electronics (005930) · SK Hynix (000660)

KOSPI Surges to Record 6,500 Threshold as AI Chip Demand Ignites Semiconductor Rally

The South Korean stock market witnessed a historic milestone on April 23, 2026, as the benchmark KOSPI index surged toward the 6,500-point threshold. Driven by an unprecedented rally in the semiconductor sector, the KOSPI closed at 6,475.81, marking a gain of 57.88 points or 0.90%. This bullish momentum comes on the back of blockbuster earnings from key industry players and an insatiable global appetite for AI-related hardware. Investors are increasingly looking toward kstocks.net for deep dives into how this AI chip demand is reshaping the local equity landscape.

Record Earnings from SK Hynix Bolster Investor Confidence

The primary catalyst for the day’s performance was the stellar first-quarter earnings report from SK Hynix (000660). The memory giant posted record-breaking profits and revenue, far exceeding analyst expectations. The company cited a significant surge in prices for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and enterprise SSDs, both of which are critical components for artificial intelligence infrastructure. This financial triumph has solidified SK Hynix’s position as a leader in the next-generation memory market, propelling its share price to fresh 52-week highs during Thursday’s trading session.

Samsung Electronics Hits New Highs Despite Labor Headwinds

Industry bellwether Samsung Electronics (005930) also participated in the rally, reaching its own 52-week high. The market appears to be prioritizing the robust AI chip demand cycle over internal challenges. While tens of thousands of unionized workers held rallies protesting compensation gaps compared to SK Hynix, investors remained focused on the company’s manufacturing prowess and its strategic role in the global supply chain. Analysts suggest that the broader industry upturn is currently masking potential risks associated with labor unrest, though the situation remains a key variable for long-term production stability.

Market Brief: Divergence Between KOSPI and KOSDAQ

While the KOSPI celebrated new heights, the tech-heavy KOSDAQ index experienced a slight retreat, closing at 1,174.31, down 6.81 points or 0.58%. This divergence highlights a rotation of capital into large-cap value and growth stocks within the main board, particularly those with direct exposure to the semiconductor and AI themes. Foreign investors were net buyers on the KOSPI, injecting over 4,500 billion won into the market, while retail and institutional investors took a more cautious stance by realizing profits.

AI Chip Demand: The Long-Term Growth Engine

The current AI chip demand is not merely a seasonal peak but appears to be a structural shift in the global technology sector. As data centers and cloud service providers rush to upgrade their infrastructure for generative AI models, South Korean chipmakers are uniquely positioned to benefit. The “semiconductor super-cycle” of 2026 is characterized by higher margins on specialized memory products, which is reflected in the rapidly climbing KOSPI index. Data Source: Naver Finance, KRX.

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 risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.