South Korean stocks surged to unprecedented heights on Friday, February 13, 2026, with the KOSPI index exceeding 4,400 for the first time, marking a 3.43% increase. The rally was largely fueled by strong performances from semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as investor confidence grew surrounding the anticipated “supercycle” in the chip industry.
Samsung Electronics saw its share price climb 6%, while SK Hynix rose by 3%, driven by news regarding the production and shipment of High Bandwidth Memory 4 (HBM4). This positive momentum contributed to a combined increase of 63 trillion won in the market capitalization of both companies in a single day, according to reports from The Hankyoreh.
Foreign investors played a significant role in the market’s ascent, engaging in a sustained buying spree over the past four trading days, acquiring 4.4 trillion won worth of shares and establishing a record high in total market holdings. Samsung Electronics also experienced a rise in its target price, reaching 180,000 won, reflecting optimistic projections for the company’s future performance.
However, the bullish sentiment in South Korea contrasted sharply with the volatile conditions observed in global markets. Concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and its potential impact on various sectors, including finance and real estate, triggered significant fluctuations in New York’s stock exchanges. The S&P 500, for instance, experienced a dramatic intraday swing, plummeting 50 points within minutes of the opening bell before staging a rapid recovery.
The cryptocurrency market also mirrored this instability, with Bitcoin experiencing a substantial decline. After reaching a peak of $126,000 just four months prior, the value of Bitcoin fell to the low $60,000 range, representing a 50% drop from its highest point. This downturn added to the overall sense of uncertainty prevailing in international financial markets.
While South Korean investors celebrated record gains, global markets grappled with anxieties, creating a stark divergence in market sentiment during the second week of February. The KOSPI’s strong performance stands in contrast to the turbulence seen elsewhere, highlighting the differing economic narratives unfolding across the globe.
