The benchmark KOSPI rose more than 1% to around 4,570 on Wednesday, extending gains to fresh record levels driven by continued strength in semiconductor stocks. Heavyweight chipmakers led the advance, with Samsung Electronics (2.1%) and SK hynix (3.7%) climbing sharply, as investors continued to add exposure to technology shares amid sustained optimism over AI-related demand and earnings momentum. The rally was reinforced by a positive global backdrop after US equities closed at record highs overnight, helping underpin risk appetite across regional markets. Auto stocks added further support, with Hyundai Motor climbing past 10%, outperforming on renewed expectations for autonomous driving development following high-profile industry discussions at CES, helping broaden gains beyond semiconductors. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (2.7%), Kia Corporation (4.2%), Hyundai Mobis (8.1%), and Hanwha Ocean (1.5%) also advanced.