[DigitalToday reporter Sangyeob Oh (오상엽)] The KOSPI broke above 5,600 for the first time, supported by strong institutional buying. Samsung Electronics hit a record high again, closing at 190,000 won.

The KOSPI closed up 170.24 points, or 3.09 percent, at 5,677.25 on Thursday.

The index opened up 135.08 points, or 2.45 percent, at 5,642.09 and stayed in positive territory throughout the session. It climbed as high as 5,681.65 at one point.

By investor type, institutions led gains with net buying of 1.64 trillion won. Foreigners and retail investors were net sellers of 923.2 billion won and 860.8 billion won, respectively, as they took profits.

Most heavyweight stocks rose. Samsung Electronics jumped 8,800 won, or 4.86 percent, to end at 190,000 won, bringing it closer to 200,000 won.

SK Hynix rose 14,000 won, or 1.59 percent, to 894,000 won. Hyundai Motor and Kia ended up 14,000 won, or 2.81 percent, and 5,900 won, or 3.60 percent, respectively, at 513,000 won and 170,000 won.

LG Energy Solution rose 2.15 percent, Samsung Biologics gained 0.58 percent, SK Square added 1.43 percent and Doosan Enerbility climbed 1.76 percent. KB Financial fell 1,400 won, or 0.83 percent, to 166,500 won.

The KOSDAQ ended up 54.63 points, or 4.94 percent, at 1,160.71.

In the KOSDAQ market, a temporary halt on program buy orders, known as a sidecar, was triggered at around 10:41 a.m. for the second time this year to cool an excessive surge.