Chip stocks rallied on AI optimism, pushing South Korea's KOSPI up 1.54% on Thursday to breach 9,000 for the first time and mark a record high. Heavyweight Samsung Electronics rose more than 2%; SK Hynix jumped over 5%. Amid the AI-led global rally, Korea is among the top-performing markets — the KOSPI is up 114% YTD after a 76% gain last year.

2026-06-18

Chip stocks rallied on AI optimism, pushing South Korea's KOSPI up 1.54% on Thursday to breach 9,000 for the first time and mark a record high. Heavyweight Samsung Electronics rose more than 2%; SK Hynix jumped over 5%. Amid the AI-led global rally, Korea is among the top-performing markets — the KOSPI is up 114% YTD after a 76% gain last year.