The KOSPI surged shortly after the market opened on April 21, climbing above its 52-week high.

As of 9:10 a.m., the KOSPI was up 129.30 points, or 2.08 percent, from the previous session at 6,348.39. It set a fresh record after moving above its 52-week high of 6,347.41 in intraday trade.

By investor type, foreign investors were net buyers of 184.6 billion won and institutions bought a net 52.2 billion won, driving the index higher. Retail investors, by contrast, were net sellers of 233.4 billion won.

Most top market-cap stocks were higher. SK Hynix was up 47,000 won, or 4.03 percent, at 1,213,000 won, and Samsung Electronics rose 4,500 won, or 2.10 percent, to 219,000 won.

Doosan Enerbility gained 4.32 percent, LG Energy Solution rose 3.96 percent, SK Square added 3.28 percent, Hyundai Motor was up 1.71 percent, Kia gained 1.02 percent, and Hanwha Aerospace rose 0.07 percent.

Samsung Biologics, however, fell 2,000 won, or 0.12 percent, to 1,603,000 won.

The Kosdaq was up 3.60 points, or 0.31 percent, at 1,178.45.

In the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won was at 1,471.20 per dollar, up 1.10 won, or 0.07 percent, from the previous session.