[Breaking] KOSPI Surpasses 9,000 Mark for First Time Ever, Up 1.5%

South Korea's benchmark KOSPI stock index achieved a historic milestone on June 18, 2026, breaching the 9,000-point mark for the first time. The index opened trading at 8,884.92 points, marking a modest increase of 20.68 points, or 0.23%, from its previous closing value of 8,864.24.

Despite the initial surge to a record high, the KOSPI's gains moderated throughout the morning. By midday, the index registered a 1.5% increase, reflecting a dynamic trading session. The performance indicates continued investor confidence in the South Korean market, despite broader economic fluctuations.

In contrast to the KOSPI's upward trend, the KOSDAQ index, which tracks smaller companies, experienced a slight decline. It opened at 1,029.81 points, down 2.15 points, or 0.21%, from its previous close of 1,031.96.

Meanwhile, the South Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar. The won-dollar exchange rate began the trading day at 1,525.0 won per dollar, an increase of 11.6 won from the previous week's closing rate of 1,513.4 won.