The benchmark KOSPI soared more than 5% to around 5,310 on Wednesday, rebounding sharply after a four-day decline as easing geopolitical concerns boosted global risk appetite. Sentiment improved after US President Donald Trump signaled that military operations in Iran could end within weeks, raising hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East and relieving pressure on oil prices and inflation.
The rally was further supported by strong external fundamentals, as South Korea’s exports jumped 48.3% year-on-year to a record $86.1 billion in March, driven by robust semiconductor shipments. The data reinforced confidence in the earnings outlook for the country’s export-heavy, chip-driven equity market. Gains in Seoul also tracked a broad global rebound, with Wall Street posting its strongest session in months, adding momentum to regional equities. Notable advances were seen in Samsung Electronics (7.5%), SK hynix (7.6%), Hyundai Motor (6.0%), SK Square (4.6%), and Hanwha Aerospace (3.9%).
