SEOUL, Jan. 6 (AJP) — Asian markets were broadly in the green on Tuesday, but one market didn’t just rise — it showed off.
South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI smashed through the long-watched 4,500 level, capping a blistering start to the year that has already rewritten the index’s record book. The rally has been fast, loud and unapologetic: more than 13 percent in under two weeks, with 4,300 and 4,400 barely registering as speed bumps.
Retail investors, who sat out much of last year’s grind, are back with conviction. They snapped up a net 597.6 billion won worth of shares, emboldened by a growing chorus of forecasts calling for a run toward 5,000.
Heavyweights did the heavy lifting. Samsung Electronics climbed to 138,900 won, while SK hynix surged to 726,000 won, extending the AI-driven chip rally. Hyundai Motor advanced to 308,000 won, and Celltrion rose to 213,000 won.
Not everything joined the party. LG Energy Solution traded lower, while NAVER edged higher in subdued fashion.
The tech-heavy KOSDAQ lagged behind the headline-grabbing rally, slipping 0.16 percent to 955.97, as institutions and foreign investors locked in profits after recent gains. The tone there was cautious rather than euphoric — a reminder that this rally has been selective.
In currency markets, the dollar strengthened slightly, rising 1.7 won to 1,445.5, but the move failed to dent equity momentum.
Across the region, markets were steady rather than spectacular. Japan’s Nikkei hovered near record territory above 52,500, while China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng traded higher in afternoon sessions.
For now, investors appear willing to look past valuation worries, betting that earnings momentum — especially tied to AI and large-cap exporters — can keep the rally alive. Attention is shifting toward upcoming U.S. economic data and policy signals, but until those turn hostile, Korea’s market looks intent on enjoying its moment above 4,500.
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