Tech‑Driven Index Surge Sets New Benchmarks The KOSPI opened sharply higher, jumping 69.37 points to 4,594.85 within the first 15 minutes of trading on Wednesday [1]. A day earlier, the index closed at an all‑time high of 4,525.48, confirming a sustained tech‑led rally [1]. Shortly after the open, the benchmark briefly climbed above the 4,600 level, marking a fresh intraday record [1].

Semiconductor and Auto Heavyweights Lead Gains Samsung Electronics rose 2.81 % and SK Hynix advanced 3.99 %, while Hyundai Motor surged 7.47 % and Kia added 1.55 % [1]. These large‑cap moves concentrated the rally in semiconductor and automobile sectors, offsetting modest declines in laggards such as Korean Air and LG Chem [1]. The sector‑specific momentum drove the index toward its new highs despite uneven performance across industries [1].

Profit‑Taking Pressure Gives Way to Institutional Buying On Jan 6 the market opened lower amid profit taking, but institutional and retail investors stepped in to buy technology and other large‑cap shares [2]. This buying pressure reversed the early decline and pushed the KOSPI back into positive territory, sustaining the rally through the morning session [2]. The index finished at 4,491.98, up 0.77 % from the previous session, reflecting a net gain despite the initial sell‑off [2].

Won Depreciates Slightly Amid Equity Rally The Korean won traded at 1,448.60 per U.S. dollar, a depreciation of about 3.1 won from the prior session, concurrent with the equity gains [1]. The softer currency was noted alongside the market’s upward move, suggesting parallel dynamics in foreign exchange and stock markets [1].