The benchmark KOSPI rose more than 3% to around 6,800 on Monday, rebounding from the previous session to set a fresh record, driven by strong semiconductor-led domestic growth and easing Middle East supply concerns. South Korea’s factory activity expanded at its fastest pace in more than four years in April, with the S&P Global manufacturing PMI rising to 53.6 as semiconductor demand boosted output and new orders. Samsung Electronics (1.9%) and SK hynix (5.7%) advanced, as optimism around AI-linked memory demand continued to lift valuations across the technology sector. Notable gains were also seen in SK Square (13.3%), Hanwha Aerospace (3.9%), and Hyundai Motor (1.9%). Broader risk appetite improved after US efforts to ease shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz helped lower oil prices and reduce immediate pressure on South Korea’s energy import costs. Still, geopolitical uncertainty persisted as rising raw material prices pushed factory input cost inflation to a record high.