South Korean Stocks Surge on Geopolitical Hope, Tech Gains
Seoul, March 25 – South Korean stocks experienced a significant increase on Wednesday morning, fueled by gains in large-cap technology shares and cautious optimism surrounding potential progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 126.14 points, or 2.27 percent, to 5,680.06 as of 11:20 a.m. The index opened sharply higher and maintained its upward momentum, supported by strong buying activity from both institutional and foreign investors, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
US President Donald Trump indicated that Iran had offered the U.S. a “very significant prize” related to oil and gas, suggesting that discussions were underway to resolve the month-long conflict in the Middle East. Tehran subsequently denied any contact with the U.S., as reported by foreign media.
Most large-cap shares saw gains. Samsung Electronics rose 2.06 percent, while SK Hynix surged 3.85 percent. Hyundai Motor advanced 2.24 percent, and its affiliate Kia climbed 1.52 percent. Samsung Biologics increased 1.87 percent, and Hanwha Aerospace jumped 2.02 percent. Nuclear power plant builder Doosan Enerbility soared 3 percent, and leading financial group KB Financial added 2.25 percent. Samsung Life Insurance increased 2.25 percent, and Mirae Asset Securities spiked 5.24 percent.
LG Energy Solution fell 0.64 percent, while HD Hyundai Heavy shed 0.58 percent.
The Korean won was trading at 1,494.4 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., an increase of 0.8 won from the previous session.
Meanwhile, South Korea and Canada discussed joint efforts to address global supply chain disruptions and other shared issues, including Seoul’s bid for a multi-billion-dollar Canadian patrol submarine project. The discussions occurred during their “two plus two” working-level talks between foreign and industry officials, reflecting efforts to strengthen the partnership amidst growing geopolitical challenges and supply chain bottlenecks.
| Stock | Change (%) |
|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics | 2.06 |
| SK Hynix | 3.85 |
| Hyundai Motor | 2.24 |
| Kia | 1.52 |
| Samsung Biologics | 1.87 |
| Hanwha Aerospace | 2.02 |
| Doosan Enerbility | 3.00 |
| KB Financial | 2.25 |
| Samsung Life Insurance | 2.25 |
| Mirae Asset Securities | 5.24 |
| LG Energy Solution | -0.64 |
| HD Hyundai Heavy | -0.58 |
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