In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI gained 0.3 percent to finish at 4,117.32, extending its winning streak to a third session. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ fell 1 percent to 919.56.
Samsung Electronics rose 0.9 percent to 111,500 won ($75.3), reaching the highest closing price in its history. SK hynix added 0.7 percent to 584,000 won.
Shipbuilding shares surged. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries climbed 3.7 percent to 533,000 won and Hanwha Ocean jumped 12.5 percent to 123,400 won, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering gained 3.2 percent to 432,000 won. The rise came amid growing expectations for shipbuilding cooperation between South Korea and the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, that the Navy’s newly announced class of frigates will be built in partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha. He added that Hanwha agreed to invest 5 billion dollars in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, calling the company “a good company.”
Entertainment stocks rallied on hopes that China will ease restrictions on Korean cultural content, after reports that a K-pop concert in Hong Kong may be broadcast live across China. Hybe rose 5 percent to 324,500 won, SM Entertainment gained 7.6 percent to 127,700 won, YG Entertainment climbed 4.3 percent to 66,200 won, and JYP Entertainment added 3.1 percent to 72,200 won.
Japan’s and China’s markets showed little movement. The Nikkei 225 added 10.48 points to 50,412.87, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index rose 2.61 points to 3,919.98.
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