AI Craze Boosts South Korean Stock Index to 5,000 Milestone

South Korea’s stock benchmark touched the 5,000 target set by President Lee Jae Myung for the first time, fueled by AI‑driven demand in the tech‑heavy market.

The Kospi Index climbed as much as 2.2% to hit 5,019.54 before paring the gain to 4,952.5, a new record close. The index was lifted by gains in Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. — the country’s two most valuable stocks. The gauge has gained 94% in the past 12 months, making it the world’s best-performing index.