The KOSPI on Jan. 19 broke above the 4,900 level for the first time during the session and ended up 1.32 percent from the previous session at 4,904.66, extending its rise to 12 straight sessions. Hyundai Motor in particular moved up to No. 3 by market value.

The KOSPI climbed above 4,900 for the first time on record during the session, rising to around 4,906 and rewriting its all-time high. It closed at 4,904.66. The KOSPI has risen every day this year, setting a new record for 12 straight sessions. It is now 95.34 points away from the 'KOSPI 5,000 era'.

Foreign investors were net buyers of 551.4 billion won, leading the index higher. Individual investors were net sellers of 750.7 billion won and institutions were also net sellers of about 24.3 billion won, in what appeared to be profit-taking during a period of large-cap strength.

The market rally on the day was led by a rally in large auto shares centered on Hyundai Motor and Kia.

Hyundai Motor ended up 15.38 percent at 476,500 won, rising to No. 3 by market value. Kia gained 11.85 percent to 169,000 won.

Among the top market-cap stocks, shares were broadly higher except for Samsung Biologics, down 1.34 percent, and SK Square, down 2.46 percent.

Samsung Electronics rose 0.27 percent, SK Hynix gained 1.06 percent, LG Energy Solution climbed 1.92 percent, Hanwha Aerospace added 2.39 percent, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose 4.18 percent, Kia gained 12.18 percent and Doosan Enerbility added 0.10 percent. Samsung Electronics also touched 150,000 won for the first time intraday.

Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, said semiconductor large caps that led earnings gains at the start of the year were taking a breather near record highs. He said moves to find leaders in a 'post-semiconductor' theme along with sector rotation are again remaining in technology and growth stocks.