The benchmark KOSPI rose nearly 2% to around 6,200 on Thursday, hitting an over one-month high and rallying for a third straight session toward record levels, as improving prospects for a US–Iran deal lifted global risk appetite. Sentiment strengthened as progress in US–Iran negotiations, supported by a two-week ceasefire and ongoing exchanges, along with plans for further talks, pointed to sustained diplomatic momentum. At the same time, easing oil prices reduced concerns over a prolonged energy shock, offering relief to an economy heavily reliant on imported energy. The global risk-on tone was reinforced by record highs on Wall Street, where strong performance in technology stocks boosted global markets and lifted major Korean chipmakers. Samsung Electronics rose 2.1% and SK hynix added 1.9%, alongside gains in Hyundai Motor (6.7%), SK Square (2.4%), Doosan Enerbility (5.9%), Kia Corporation (4.1%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (4.2%), and KB Financial Group (2.1%).
