The closing share prices of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix on Jan. 6 are displayed onscreen at the dealing room of Woori Bank in Seoul's Jung-gu District. The main stock index broke yet another record that day with 4,525.48, up 67.96 or 1.52%. (Yonhap News)

By Kang Gahui

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, aka KOSPI, has broken the 4,500 mark for the first time, setting a record high for three consecutive days in the new year.

The Korea Exchange on Jan. 6 said KOSPI closed at 4,525.4, up 67.96 points (1.52%) from the previous day.

The index surpassed the 4,300 milestone on Jan. 2, the first trading day of 2026, 4,400 on Jan. 5 and 4,500 the following day.

Individual investors led the rise with net purchases of KRW 596.3 billion. Foreign players (KRW 630.2 billion) and institutions (KRW 66.4 billion) were net sellers in outselling the market.

Among top stocks by market capitalization, Samsung Electronics eclipsed its all-time high with KRW 140,000 per share, while SK Hynix did the same in the KRW 720,000 range.

kgh89@korea.kr