South Korean shares jumped more than 1.5% on Tuesday, pushing the benchmark KOSPI above the 4,500 mark for the first time, as gains in semiconductors, brokerages and shipbuilders lifted the index to a fresh record high. The KOSPI closed at 4,525.48, extending a rally that has carried the index past successive milestones early in the new year.

Retail investors were net buyers, while foreign investors and institutions sold shares. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both finished at record highs, reflecting continued optimism around AI-related chip demand. The Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar, closing at 1,445.5 won, down slightly