KOSPI surges 18% to close in the 6,500s... the biggest gain on record

KOSPI jumped 1,001.89 points, or 17.91%, to close at 6,595.45, marking a record-high gain in both points and percentage.

KOSDAQ also surged 11.63%, and a buy-side circuit breaker was triggered early in the session amid the sharp rally.

Foreign investors and institutions bought aggressively, while retail investors posted heavy net selling.

Major semiconductor names such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix soared to near limit-up levels, driving the market higher.

The move reflects stronger expectations for the global chip cycle and improved sentiment, though shifting flows and volatility remain in focus.