The benchmark KOSPI advanced 0.70% to around 3,250 on Wednesday, rising for the fourth consecutive session to a 4-year high, supported by easing trade uncertainty. South Korea’s finance ministry said Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo held a two-hour meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on Tuesday to address bilateral trade issues ahead of the Friday deadline. Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong traveled to the United States in an effort to support ongoing trade negotiations. His visit underscores the strategic relevance of semiconductor and technology cooperation within the talks and is expected to focus on advancing US investment initiatives, including semiconductor and AI chip manufacturing projects. Major gainers were Naver (2.36%), Kakao (2.14%), Samsung Electronics (1.98%), Kia Corporation (1.61%), and SK Hynix (0.57%).