KOSPI Hits Record High as Samsung and SK Hynix Lead AI Chip Rally

South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index soared to a record high on Monday, fueled by a strong rally in major semiconductor stocks amid growing investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence-related companies. The KOSPI jumped as much as 3.6% to reach an all-time peak of 8,131.15 points, extending its remarkable upward momentum throughout 2026.

The South Korean stock market has now gained more than 90% this year, supported largely by the continued strength of the semiconductor sector. Leading the charge were memory chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, both of which posted impressive gains during Monday’s session.

SK Hynix shares surged over 7%, while Samsung Electronics climbed nearly 3%, reflecting sustained optimism around AI-driven semiconductor demand. Investors continue to pour into chip stocks as expectations rise for long-term growth in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, which are widely used in AI servers, data centers, and advanced AI accelerators.

Market sentiment also received a boost from Nvidia’s latest earnings results, which reinforced confidence in the expanding global AI infrastructure market. The positive outlook surrounding artificial intelligence spending has lifted technology shares across Asia, with South Korea remaining one of the key beneficiaries due to its dominant semiconductor industry.

Adding to the bullish outlook, South Korea’s semiconductor exports have continued to show solid growth, further supporting confidence in the country’s technology sector and broader economy.

Global market conditions also contributed to investor optimism. Easing concerns over Middle East tensions and hopes for progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations helped stabilize financial markets and reduce pressure from rising oil prices.

With strong foreign investment flows, resilient chip exports, and continued AI demand, analysts expect South Korea’s stock market and semiconductor shares to remain in focus throughout 2026.