Seoul: South Korean stocks surged for the third consecutive day, with the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbing over 1.6 percent on Thursday. This rise comes amid ongoing political uncertainty related to the potential impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial martial law declaration. The South Korean currency also saw a modest increase against the U.S. dollar.According to Yonhap News Agency, the KOSPI rose by 1.62 percent, gaining 39.61 points to close at 2,482.12. The trading session saw a moderate volume of 651.7 million shares, valued at 11.86 trillion won (approximately US$8.3 billion), with 616 stocks advancing while 277 declined. Institutional investors played a significant role in the market's upward trajectory, purchasing 150.9 billion won worth of shares, while retail investors and foreign participants sold off 244.5 billion won and 24.6 billion won, respectively.Market analyst Lee Kyoung-min from Daishin Securities commented on the situation, noting that whi le volatility is expected due to the political turmoil and the impeachment motion against President Yoon, investors are capitalizing on bargain opportunities. Lee emphasized that the recent downturn in the stock market was seen as excessive given the stable financial system and economy in the country.The KOSPI's recent gains follow a four-session losing streak that ended on Monday, triggered by the political unrest following President Yoon's unexpected martial law announcement on December 3. The rise in the index was largely fueled by strong performances in the technology sector, mirroring gains in the U.S. markets.Samsung Electronics, a major player in the tech industry, saw its shares increase by 3.52 percent to 55,900 won, while rival SK hynix rose 2.5 percent to 176,100 won. In the energy sector, LG Energy Solution's stock surged by 7.01 percent to 404,500 won, and LG Chem climbed 1.9 percent to 267,500 won. The automotive industry also saw gains, with Hyundai Motor up by 1.2 percent to 211,500 won an d Kia by 0.73 percent to 97,200 won. Financial stocks followed suit, as KB Financial rose 1.87 percent to 87,000 won and Samsung Life Insurance increased 2.36 percent to 103,900 won.Not all sectors fared well, however, as internet portal operator Naver and mobile messenger operator Kakao experienced declines of 4.59 percent and 2.02 percent, respectively. Korea Zinc, currently embroiled in a management control dispute, also saw its shares fall by 2.92 percent to 1.36 million won.The South Korean won was trading at 1,431.9 against the dollar, a slight increase of 0.3 won from the previous session's close.
- September 13, 2026
