The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.4% to around 3,210 on Thursday, extending its rally for a fourth session, lifted by gains in tech and auto stocks amid easing tariff fears and strong trade data. South Korea's top trade negotiator Yeo Han-koo confirmed on radio that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will not be subject to the full 100% tariff, facing the most favorable tariff rates on chips under the trade deal with US. Samsung Electronics gained 1.5% on reports it will manufacture Apple’s next-gen chips in Texas, while Hyundai Motor rose 1.4% on news of a joint project with General Motors Co. to develop five new models for American markets. Meanwhile, the Bank of Korea reported a record-high current account surplus of $14.27 billion for June, driven by robust semiconductors exports. Foreign inflows also remained firm, with $4.52 billion in net purchases in July, as hopes for corporate reforms and stronger US trade ties continued to draw overseas investors.