South Korea\'s KOSPI index crossed 7,000 for the first time, driven by semiconductor gains, expanded AI infrastructure investment, foreign inflows, retail ETF demand and capital market reforms. The index hit an intraday high of 7,426.60 before closing at 7,384.56 on May 6. Market capitalisation rose to a record 6.06 quadrillion won. Analysts flagged rising concentration in large caps, overheating signals, growing margin debt and external risks such as oil, rates and geopolitics.

South Korea\'s KOSPI ended on April 21 at 6,388.47, surpassing its previous record close set on Feb. 26, and also topped the prior intraday high. Market capitalisation rose to a record 5,236.2 trillion won. The Korea Exchange said the index rebounded in April on expectations for semiconductor results and improved foreign investor flows, supported by expanding global AI memory demand. Foreigners and institutions were net buyers on the day.