KOSPI Breaks 5,000 Intraday on Strong Domestic Momentum The Korea Composite Stock Price Index opened about 2 % higher and crossed the 5,000‑point threshold at roughly 9:01 a.m. local time, marking an intraday milestone less than three months after it first passed 4,000 points [2]. The surge continued a 12‑session winning streak that began the year, underscoring sustained investor enthusiasm [2]. The rapid climb reflects a broader rally that has lifted the index from roughly 2,400 a year earlier to near historic highs [2].

Government Announces Continued Stock Market Revitalization Plans senior finance ministry official confirmed that the Lee Jae Myung administration will press ahead with reforms aimed at normalizing and modernizing Korea’s equity market [1]. The policy package seeks to eliminate the “Korea discount” and eventually create a “Korea premium” by expanding incentives for domestic and foreign investors [1]. These actions fulfill a campaign promise to push the KOSPI to the 5,000 level and to broaden capital‑market reforms [1].

Record Close Near 5,000 Highlights Ongoing Twelve‑Session Rally On 19 January the KOSPI closed at a record 4,904.66, the first close above 4,900, after reaching an intraday high of 4,917.37 [3]. That session was part of the same 12‑day rally that has delivered more than a 16 % gain this year and has more than doubled the index since the start of the previous year [3]. The rally follows a 75 % surge in 2025, indicating a prolonged upward trajectory [3].

U.S. Tariff Moves Influence Korean Market Volatility U.S. equities rose sharply after President Trump withdrew a proposed Greenland‑related tariff on eight European nations, with the Dow up 1.21 %, the S&P 500 up 1.16 %, and the Nasdaq up 1.18 % [2]. Earlier, Trump’s threat of new tariffs on European imports had sparked volatility in Korean markets, contributing to early‑session dips before the KOSPI recovered [3]. These cross‑border policy shifts illustrate how external trade dynamics continue to affect Korean market sentiment [2][3].