In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI climbed 2.2 percent to close at 4,220 on Monday, while the KOSDAQ gained 1.4 percent to end at 932.59.
It was the first time since Nov. 3 that the KOSPI closed above the 4,200 mark.
The current level is just one point below the record high of 4,221.87 set on that date.
Both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix hit new record closing highs.
Samsung Electronics rose 2.1 percent to 119,500 won ($83.4), and SK hynix jumped 6.8 percent to 640,000 won.
SK hynix’s sharp rise was driven by expectations of a memory semiconductor supercycle, along with the lifting of its "investment warning" designation, which eased supply-demand concerns and attracted buying.
Lee Kyung-min, an analyst at Daishin Securities, said, "With recent positive momentum such as expectations for a memory supercycle continuing, both SK hynix and Samsung Electronics rose together," adding that "the strength of these two semiconductor leaders led the KOSPI’s gain."
Samsung Biologics gained 0.8 percent to 1,706,000 won, Hyundai Motor rose 2.6 percent to 293,500 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries added 2.2 percent to 523,000 won, and Doosan Enerbility climbed 3.9 percent to 76,500 won.
Hanwha Aerospace surged 9.1 percent to 949,000 won.
The stock’s jump was attributed to news that the company signed a 103.3 billion won ($72 million) contract with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute to develop a "lunar lander propulsion system" scheduled for launch in 2032, and to its removal from the investment warning list.
LG Energy Solution, the third-largest by market capitalization, fell 0.9 percent to 380,000 won.
Most entertainment stocks advanced.
HYBE gained 1.8 percent to 320,000 won, SM added 2.9 percent to 128,000 won, YG increased 0.3 percent to 64,700 won, while JYP was unchanged.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 fell 0.4 percent to 50,526.92.
In China, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.60 points to 3,945.28.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
