South Korea's KOSPI Posts Record Surge as AI Optimism Fuels Tech Rally

South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index has staged a powerful rally to record territory, with reports describing a jump of roughly 18% as a global technology rebound swept through Asian markets. The surge was fuelled by renewed optimism over artificial intelligence spending, with strong signals from major technology firms bolstering hopes that heavy investment in AI infrastructure will be sustained. South Korea, home to the world's leading memory-chip makers, is especially sensitive to the AI cycle, and the country's exporters have benefited from booming demand for advanced semiconductors and AI-server components. The equity gains coincide with a period of exceptional export strength that has pushed the country's trade surplus sharply higher. The rally has drawn many investors back into the market, though analysts have urged caution, noting that a market and economy leaning heavily on a single industry can be vulnerable if the AI investment cycle cools. Policymakers, including the central bank, have also flagged financial-stability considerations tied to rapid gains and rising leverage. For now, momentum remains firmly positive as global appetite for technology shares holds up.