South Korea’s KOSPI jumped more than 8.5%, marking one of the strongest rallies in the benchmark index’s history. The surge added an estimated ₩620.5 trillion (about $425 billion) in market value as investors reacted to expectations that tensions in the Middle East could ease. Trading momentum was so strong that a buy-side sidecar mechanism was triggered shortly after the market opened, reflecting a sharp imbalance between buy and sell orders. Investors will now watch whether diplomatic developments support the rally and sustain gains in South Korean equities.








