KOSDAQ, 1,200선 돌파 — 한국 증시의 새로운 기록
Daily News Briefing|20 min read6.6AI quality score — automatically evaluated based on accuracy, depth, and source quality
A special prosecutor has requested a 30-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol amid allegations regarding drone flights over Pyongyang. Meanwhile, the KOSDAQ index reached a historic milestone by breaking through the 1,200-point mark for the first time in 25 years. Internationally, President Trump is pushing for a deal in Iran by extending the ceasefire deadline, while Middle East instability continues to ripple through global financial markets.
Daily News Briefing — 2026-04-26
Today's Weather (as of 2026-04-26)
Real-time data could not be retrieved from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Please check the official weather website (weather.go.kr) for today’s forecast.
Top 5 Headlines
1. 30-year sentence requested for former President Yoon Suk Yeol
- Summary: The special counsel requested a 30-year prison sentence for former President Yoon, alleging he intentionally escalated tensions with North Korea to maintain power during the declaration of martial law in 2024. Prosecutors claim Yoon ordered military drones to infiltrate Pyongyang to justify his martial law decree.
- Background: Yoon was impeached and removed from office after his brief declaration of martial law in December 2024 and is currently in detention. This investigation is historic, as it focuses on whether he provoked North Korean aggression to serve his domestic political goals.
- Impact: The verdict could reshape South Korea’s entire political landscape and significantly affect U.S.-Korea security alliances and inter-Korean relations.
2. President Lee Jae-myung criticizes Daejang-dong report
- Summary: President Lee Jae-myung strongly condemned media reports on the Daejang-dong development scandal, calling them a "massive fabrication" after they received an award.
- Background: The Daejang-dong scandal centers on development projects pushed by Lee during his time as Governor of Gyeonggi Province. His public labeling of investigative journalism as "fabrication" has sparked controversy regarding media freedom.
- Impact: Rising tensions between the government and the press may influence future debates on media transparency and domestic political discourse.
3. Coupang denies lobbying U.S. government regarding Korea
- Summary: E-commerce giant Coupang has firmly denied allegations that it lobbied U.S. officials to pressure the South Korean government following a data breach incident last November.
- Background: The Coupang data leak has become a sensitive issue in U.S.-Korea relations. A Chosun Ilbo editorial even cited this incident as a sign of "abnormal" U.S.-Korea relations.
- Impact: Whether a U.S.-listed firm (Coupang) was used as a tool for diplomatic pressure could become a variable in future trade and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
4. KOSDAQ breaks 1,200 points for the first time in 25 years
- Summary: On Friday, April 24, the KOSDAQ index surpassed the 1,200-point mark for the first time in 25 years, driven by strong buying in the materials and machinery sectors. Meanwhile, the KOSPI saw a slight decline due to short-term fatigue and Middle East tensions.
- Background: While the KOSPI took a breather after hitting consecutive record highs, the KOSDAQ surged on the strength of growth stocks like AI, semiconductors, and defense.
- Impact: Investors should monitor market trends closely as retail investors appear to be locking in profits from KOSDAQ ETFs and shifting funds toward the KOSPI.
5. Discussion on allowing access to North Korean websites
- Summary: A survey by a presidential advisory body shows that about 64% of South Koreans oppose allowing access to North Korean websites, though many experts favor it.
- Background: Access to North Korean sites is currently prohibited under the National Security Act. This debate highlights social conflict regarding the balance between inter-Korean information exchange, freedom of expression, and national security.
- Impact: The issue may lead to future discussions on legal and systemic reforms in line with broader North Korea policy.
Economy & Market
Market Closing/Trends (as of 2026-04-24)
- KOSPI: Slight dip due to overheating fatigue and Middle East tensions. Closed in the 6,400s after setting an intraday record of 6,500.
- KOSDAQ: 1,200 points cleared — A first since 2000. Strength in growth stocks.
- Exchange Rate: Please check official rates via commercial banks or the Bank of Korea.
Corporate & Industry
- Korea Exchange: Relaxed margin requirements for "market warning" stocks to reduce the operational burden on securities firms.
- Semiconductor/AI ETFs: Retail investors sold 231.1 billion KRW in KOSDAQ 150 ETFs while loading up on KOSPI 200 and semiconductor inverse ETFs.
- Foreign Capital: Inflow into Korean stocks and bonds is rebounding despite Middle East war risks, driven by AI memory strength and expectations for corporate governance improvements.
International News
U.S./Middle East — Trump extends Iran ceasefire, demands deal
- Core: President Trump extended the temporary ceasefire with Iran while setting a short-term deadline for a final agreement. He warned of strong action if the peace deal fails.
- Impact on Korea: Continued Middle East tension increases global oil price volatility, creating a direct burden on Korea's energy-dependent economy and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Global Finance — Asset correlation collapse
- Core: Reuters reports that traditional global asset correlations have broken down since the start of the Middle East war, making it difficult for investors to hedge their risks.
- Impact on Korea: It has become harder to predict the flow of foreign capital into the Korean stock market in this "atypical market" environment.
U.S. — Nasdaq and S&P 500 hit record highs
- Core: Nasdaq and S&P 500 closed at record highs after a four-week rally, fueled by Intel’s surge.
- Impact on Korea: Strength in U.S. Big Tech is a positive tailwind for Korean semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Key Points to Watch
- Schedule: Watch for updates on former President Yoon’s trial and potential further statements from President Lee regarding the Daejang-dong report.
- Market Watch: Will the 1,200 KOSDAQ level hold? Monitor U.S.-Iran negotiations for impacts on oil and the KOSPI.
- Actionable Advice: Investors should keep an eye on profit-taking and foreign buying trends while maintaining a diversified portfolio. Stay alert for impacts on energy and consumer prices.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Explore related topics
Powered by
