KOSPI First Trading Session 2026: Tech and Bio Rally Pushes Index to 4,238

Retail investors are betting big while institutions hesitate. South Korea's KOSPI index kicked off 2026 with a rally, climbing past the 4,200 mark on its first day. According to Yonhap, the benchmark index added 24.66 points (0.59%) to reach 4,238.83 within the first 15 minutes of trading on January 2. The market's 10 a.m. delayed opening didn't dampen the spirits of individual buyers, who successfully offset selling pressure from foreign and institutional players.

KOSPI First Trading Session 2026 Highlights: Winners and Losers

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics soared 2.59%, reclaiming its position as a growth driver. In the bio sector, Celltrion spiked a massive 8.23%, outperforming most top-cap shares. However, it wasn't a universal gain; the battery industry faced headwinds as LG Energy Solution and LG Chem slid 2.17% and 3.6% respectively, reflecting ongoing volatility in the chemical sector.

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Defense and Shipbuilding Maintain Momentum

The defense giant Hanwha Aerospace continued its upward trajectory, soaring 2.44%. Shipbuilders like HD Hyundai Heavy also saw gains, adding 0.59%. On the currency front, the Korean won strengthened slightly against the greenback, trading at 1,441.2 won, down 2.2 won from the previous session's close.