[DigitalToday reporter Sang-yeop Oh (오상엽)] South Korea's KOSPI surged through the 5,900 level on Feb. 23, bringing the index within reach of 6,000.

As of 9:08 a.m., the KOSPI was up 93.88 points, or 1.62 percent, from the previous session at 5,902.41, extending its sharp rise.

It opened at 5,903.11 and jumped as high as 5,931.86, breaking above 5,900 for the first time on record and staging a strong early rally.

Retail investors were net buyers of 314.5 billion won, driving the index higher on their own. Foreigners were net sellers of 94.9 billion won and institutions sold a net 218.5 billion won, appearing to take profits.

Among the top stocks by market capitalisation, market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 6,500 won, or 3.42 percent, to 196,600 won. SK Hynix climbed 2.11 percent to 969,000 won.

Other gainers among heavyweight stocks included Hyundai Motor, up 6.09 percent, Kia, up 2.68 percent, SK Square, up 1.55 percent, Samsung Biologics, up 0.40 percent, and Doosan Enerbility, up 0.39 percent. Hanwha Aerospace fell 0.97 percent.

The Kosdaq was up 8.31 points, or 0.72 percent, from the previous session at 1,162.31.