KOSPI Hits Fresh Record High 4586 in 2026: Auto and Defense Stocks Lead 6-Day Rally

South Korea's benchmark stock index isn't just rising; it's rewriting history. On Jan. 9, 2026, the KOSPI extended its winning streak to six sessions, closing at a new record of 4,586.32. The index climbed 33.95 points or 0.75% in a single day, bringing its weekly gain to a massive 6.4%.

Drivers Behind KOSPI Record High 2026 Performance

According to Yonhap, the rally was fueled by heavyweights in the auto, defense, and shipbuilding sectors. Hyundai Motor surged 7.49% to reach 366,000 won. Meanwhile, defense giant Hanwha Aerospace stole the spotlight with a lightning-fast 11.38% jump, closing at 1,214,000 won. These gains offset a sluggish performance in the tech sector, where SK hynix fell 1.59%.

Market Dynamics and Currency Pressure

While foreign investors offloaded 1.59 trillion won worth of shares, local institutions and retail investors stepped in, buying a combined 1.32 trillion won. It's a tug-of-war that domestic bulls are currently winning. However, the Korean won weakened against the dollar, closing at 1,457.60, up 7 won from the previous session, reflecting ongoing global currency volatility.