The KOSPI jumped more than 1 percent early on Monday, moving above 8,500 and quickly breaking above 8,600. Stocks known as companies attending the second 'gganbu meeting', including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution and Samsung C&T, rose and led the index higher.

As of 9:06 a.m., the KOSPI was up 127.64 points, or 1.51 percent, at 8,603.79. The index opened up 9.52 points, or 0.11 percent, at 8,485.67, then climbed to 8,603.79 early in the session to set a new 52-week high.

By investor type, individuals and institutions were net buyers of 525.6 billion won and 175.7 billion won, respectively. Foreigners were net sellers of 693.5 billion won. Despite foreign selling, buying by individuals and institutions was supporting the index's rise.

Top market-cap stocks were mostly higher. Samsung Electronics was up 3.31 percent at 327,500 won, and SK Hynix was up 0.26 percent at 2,339,000 won.

Hyundai Motor rose 2.49 percent, LG Energy Solution gained 3.60 percent, Samsung Life Insurance added 0.39 percent and Samsung C&T climbed 5.43 percent. SK Square was little changed.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics fell 4.14 percent, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries was down 0.57 percent.

At the same time, the Kosdaq was down 20.26 points, or 1.89 percent, at 1,054.54. Unlike the KOSPI's strength led by blue chips, the Kosdaq was weaker, extending divergent moves between the two markets.

In Seoul's foreign exchange market, the won was down 0.20 won at 1,507.70 per dollar.