South Korean KOSPI Surpasses 5,600 as AI Chip Stocks Lead Rally
Updated (2 articles)
Record KOSPI Close Driven by AI Chip Surge On February 19 2026 the benchmark KOSPI closed at 5,677.25 points, up 170.24 points (3.09 %) and breaking the previous record of 5,522.27 set on February 12 2026 [1]. The rally marked the first time the index topped the 5,600‑point threshold [1].
Trading Volume Peaks with Institutional Buying Approximately 1.17 billion shares worth 28.59 trillion won (≈US$19.76 bn) changed hands, while institutions net‑bought 1.64 trillion won [1]. A total of 666 stocks rose versus 231 that fell, indicating broad market participation [1]. Foreign retail investors sold a net 918.03 bn won and bought 860.76 bn won, reflecting mixed foreign sentiment [1].
AI Chip Makers Samsung and SK Hynix Lead Gains Samsung Electronics surged 4.86 % to 190,000 won and SK Hynix rose to 894,000 won, anchoring the rally [1]. Their performance outpaced most other sectors, underscoring investor focus on AI‑related semiconductor demand [1].
Broad Sector Gains Include Auto, Battery, Biotech, Defense Hyundai Motor (+2.81 %), Kia (+3.6 %), LG Energy Solution (+2.15 %), Samsung Biologics (+0.58 %), Celltrion (+2.73 %) and Hanwha Aerospace (+3.98 %) all posted gains [1]. Shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean jumped 8.32 % after news of a U.S. shipbuilding action plan [1].
Financial Shares Slip Amid Won Weakness and Rising Yields KB Financial fell 0.83 % and Shinhan Financial dropped 2.15 % as the won weakened to 1,445.5 per dollar [1]. Three‑year Treasury yields rose to 3.178 % and five‑year government bond yields to 3.426 %, pressuring financial stocks [1].
Analyst Predicts Continued Chip Momentum from AI Earnings Kiwoom analyst Lee Sung‑hoon expects the chip rally to persist, citing upcoming AI earnings from Nvidia, Broadcom and others [1]. He also notes potential upside from pressure on firms to boost shareholder returns and a pending commercial‑law revision [1].
Timeline
Dec 30, 2025 – The KOSDAQ index climbs over 20 % since this date as investors shift to the secondary market for bargains, setting the stage for broader market enthusiasm[2].
Jan 29, 2026 – The KOSPI reaches a fresh peak of 5,221.25, up 0.98 % and extending a three‑day winning streak after a string of strong earnings reports[2].
Jan 29, 2026 – Retail investors pour a net 1.6 trillion won of buying pressure into the market, while institutions sell 1.5 trillion won and foreign investors offload 150.2 billion won, fueling the index’s rise[2].
Jan 29, 2026 – Samsung Electronics slips 1.05 % to 160,700 won, SK Hynix hits a record 861,000 won up 2.38 %, Hyundai Motor jumps 7.21 %, Naver gains 3.42 %, and LG Energy Solution falls 3.36 % amid mixed chip earnings[2].
Jan 29, 2026 – The won weakens to 1,426.3 per USD as markets anticipate a Federal Reserve decision to keep U.S. rates on hold, easing policy‑rate uncertainty[2].
Jan 29, 2026 – The South Korean government pledges support for startups and urges public funds to increase KOSDAQ investments, reinforcing the rally in smaller‑cap stocks[2].
Feb 12, 2026 – The KOSPI sets a new record of 5,522.27 points, establishing a benchmark that the market later surpasses[1].
Feb 19, 2026 – The KOSPI breaks the 5,600 point barrier for the first time, closing at 5,677.25 after a 3.09 % gain and a 170.24‑point jump, marking a historic high[1].
Feb 19, 2026 – AI‑related chip makers drive the rally, with Samsung Electronics up 4.86 % to 190,000 won and SK Hynix climbing to 894,000 won, reflecting strong sector momentum[1].
Feb 19, 2026 – Auto, battery, biotech, defense and shipbuilding stocks surge; Hanwha Ocean spikes 8.32 % on news of a U.S. shipbuilding action plan, highlighting geopolitical spillovers[1].
Feb 19, 2026 – Financial shares slip as the won weakens to 1,445.5 per USD and three‑year Treasury yields rise to 3.178 % (five‑year to 3.426 %), underscoring currency and rate pressures[1].
Feb 19, 2026 – Kiwoom analyst Lee Sung‑hoon says “chip momentum will continue,” citing upcoming AI earnings from Nvidia and Broadcom and a pending commercial‑law revision that could pressure firms to boost shareholder returns[1].