KOSPI, 6,936 돌파: 한국 증시 긴급 브리핑
KOSPI jumped to an all-time high of 6,936.99 on May 4, 2026, fueled by massive buying from foreign investors and institutions. SK Hynix saw its market cap surpass 1 quadrillion won following a 12.52% rally, while the won-dollar exchange rate dropped sharply to 1,462.8 won.
Korean Stock Market Emergency Briefing — 2026-05-05

Market Snapshot
- KOSPI: 6,936.99 (approx. +5% jump, all-time high at close)
- KOSDAQ: Closed higher (growth in semiconductor parts/equipment, KOSDAQ Electrical/Electronic index +4.02%)
- KRW/USD Exchange Rate: 1,462.8 KRW (-20.5 KRW), lowest level since the outbreak of the Iran war.
- Market Sentiment: Risk appetite maximized by joint buying from foreigners and institutions; KOSPI broke through the 6,800 level during the day with record-high trading volume.

Order Flow (KOSPI)
- Foreigners: Net buying of approx. +3.9 trillion KRW — concentrated in SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics.
- Institutions: Maintained net buying trend — accompanied by buying in large-cap semiconductor stocks.
- Individuals: Net selling (profit-taking amid intense buying by foreigners and institutions).
Top 5 Key News
KOSPI hits 6,936 — New all-time closing high
- What happened?: On May 4, 2026, the KOSPI closed at 6,936.99 after breaking the 6,800 mark. Mirae Asset Securities noted that SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics contributed 129.71 and 79.31 points to the index, respectively, driving the rally.
- Market Impact: Broad gains across all sectors; trading volume and market cap near record highs.
SK Hynix market cap hits 1 quadrillion KRW — 12.52% surge
- What happened?: SK Hynix shares closed at 1,447,000 KRW (up 12.52%), pushing its total market cap to roughly 1,031 trillion KRW—the first time a single domestic firm has reached this milestone. Apple’s strong earnings report released during the Labor Day holiday fueled tech sector momentum.
- Market Impact: Strength in the semiconductor/HBM value chain; Samsung Electronics also saw a sharp rise.
Won-dollar exchange rate drops 20.5 KRW — Lowest since Iran war
- What happened?: The rate closed at 1,462.8 KRW, down 20.5 KRW. Large-scale foreign buying triggered dollar selling, while President Trump's pledge to support safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz eased geopolitical tensions.
- Market Impact: Generally positive for the stock market, despite potential concerns over exchange rate losses for some exporters.
Construction materials and chemicals post 'Earnings Surprises'
- What happened?: Despite industry downturns, stocks like LX Hausys saw successful turnarounds to profit, sparking strong rebounds. Many chemical companies also exceeded market expectations.
- Market Impact: Rotation into companies with surprise earnings; expansion of the market beyond just semiconductors.
Semiconductor momentum spreads to KOSDAQ — Bio sector performance is the variable
- What happened?: The bullish trend for large-cap semiconductor stocks spread to KOSDAQ parts and equipment suppliers. While institutional and foreign investors are betting on KOSDAQ growth, the performance of large-cap bio stocks remains a critical factor for sustained rallies.
- Market Impact: KOSDAQ Electrical/Electronic index +4.02%.
Leading Sectors & Themes
Semiconductors (HBM/AI)
- Trend: The dominant sector today. The KOSPI manufacturing index jumped +10.06%. Driven by HBM demand and positive sentiment from Apple's earnings.
- Key Stocks: SK Hynix (+12.52%), Samsung Electronics (surge).
Secondary Batteries
- Trend: The KRX Secondary Battery TOP10 index has rebounded by about 54% since April, hitting a yearly high.
- Key Stocks: Samsung SDI (record high), LG Energy Solution.
Construction/Chemicals
- Trend: Rotation driven by earnings surprises.
- Key Stocks: LX Hausys (profit turnaround).
Market Winners & Losers
Top 3 Gainers
- SK Hynix — +12.52% (1,447,000 KRW)
- LX Hausys — Sharp rise (approx. +15%)
- Samsung SDI — Record high
Top 3 Losers
- Large-cap Bio stocks — Relatively weak compared to KOSDAQ gains.
- Bank stocks — Weaker, losing appeal as defensive plays.
- Export consumer goods — Slight weakness due to FX rate declines.
Global Market Linkage
1. Apple's earnings → AI investment renewed Apple's strong Q1 results provided a catalyst for Korean tech stocks, specifically those in the HBM/AI supply chain.
2. Trump’s Hormuz statement → Easing Middle East tensions Trump’s commitment to security in the Strait of Hormuz helped lower the exchange rate and encouraged foreign inflows.
Tomorrow's Checkpoints
- Can KOSPI maintain momentum above 6,936? Watch for potential profit-taking.
- Exchange rate volatility: Monitor the 1,460 KRW support level.
- Bio sector participation: Look for buying interest in major bio stocks to confirm a wider KOSDAQ rally.
Investor Action Items
- Monitor early-morning foreign inflows: Check the first 30 minutes for any shift in foreign sentiment.
- Watch the 1,460 KRW exchange rate floor: Re-evaluate hedging strategies if the dollar rebounds.
- Keep scanning for earnings surprises: Use the Q2 earnings calendar to identify low-PBR, high-growth opportunities.
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