Seoul, South Korea – The **Korean stock market** experienced a positive close on Tuesday, with **Seoul shares** trending higher, primarily driven by robust performance in **technology stocks**. Despite prevailing investor caution surrounding geopolitical tensions, specifically a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump concerning Iran, the market demonstrated resilience. Concurrently, the **Korean won** strengthened against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark **Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI)** concluded the day with a gain of 44.45 points, marking a 0.82 percent increase to reach 5,494.78. This performance underscored the positive sentiment in the **South Korean market**.
Trading activity remained moderate, with 979.32 million shares exchanged, totaling 23.11 trillion won (approximately $15.4 billion). Despite the overall market rally, decliners still outnumbered gainers, with 577 stocks falling compared to 286 advancing.
The **KOSPI’s** upward trajectory was significantly bolstered by a remarkable earnings report from **Samsung Electronics**. The tech giant estimated its operating profit for the January-March quarter soared nearly ninefold year-on-year to a record 57.2 trillion won, a substantial increase from 6.61 trillion won a year prior. This surge was primarily attributed to robust global demand for **artificial intelligence (AI)-related chips**, highlighting the pivotal role of the **semiconductor sector**.
Investor sentiment also played a role, as **foreign investors** showed strong confidence, purchasing a net 406.88 billion won worth of **South Korean stocks**. Conversely, institutional and retail investors net-sold 414.13 billion won and 342.63 billion won, respectively, indicating differing market strategies.
Han Ji-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, commented on the market dynamics: “Despite persistent **geopolitical uncertainties** stemming from tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, the **Korean market** found strong support. This was driven by positive overnight performances on Wall Street, especially within **semiconductor stocks**, coupled with high expectations for continued growth following **Samsung Electronics’ impressive first-quarter earnings**.”
The underlying geopolitical tension continued as U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his warnings against Iran on Monday, explicitly mentioning potential strikes on critical infrastructure like power plants and bridges. This heightened rhetoric came as a Wednesday 9 a.m. deadline for a resolution drew nearer.
Back in Seoul, the outstanding performance of **technology stocks** was a clear highlight, spearheading the market’s overall advance.
Specifically, **market bellwether Samsung Electronics** saw its shares rise by 1.76 percent, closing at 196,500 won. Its prominent chipmaking competitor, **SK Hynix**, experienced an even more significant surge of 3.39 percent, reaching 916,000 won, further underscoring the strength of the **Korean semiconductor industry**.
Other notable gainers included defense giant **Hanwha Aerospace Industries**, which jumped 6 percent to 1,537,000 won, and leading carmaker **Hyundai Motor**, which climbed 0.85 percent to 473,000 won.
However, not all sectors shared in the gains. Leading **battery maker LG Energy Solution** saw its shares decline by 0.97 percent to 408,500 won, and top refiner **SK Innovation** closed down 1.14 percent at 121,800 won.
