KOSPI closes higher as SK hynix rebound adds 0.3 percent

The KOSPI closed at 5,550 points on October 23, gaining 17 points or 0.3 percent. The index recovered from an early selloff as chip stocks rebounded after renewed doubts about artificial-intelligence investment.

SK hynix led the recovery, rising 4.4 percent after suspending its review of a potential Solidigm listing, CNBC reported. After the close, Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song said the central bank would maintain a hawkish stance, Yonhap reported at 4:26 p.m. KST.

Why did the KOSPI reverse its early selloff?

The KOSPI opened at 5,403 points and fell to 5,306 points before recovering into the close. The rebound followed bargain buying in major chip stocks after the previous session's 3.5 percent decline, Yonhap reported.

SK hynix said it had halted reviews of pre-IPO funding and a Nasdaq listing for Solidigm. The decision eased concerns about potential value dilution and helped the stock reverse an early loss, Korea Times reported.

Winners and losers in the KOSPI

Winners and losers at the close on October 23, 2026, according to MK:

• Samsung Biologics up 7.7 percent.
• SK hynix up 4.4 percent: the Solidigm IPO review was suspended.
• KB Financial down 3.3 percent.
• Hyundai Motor down 2.0 percent.

Market breadth stayed weak despite the index gain. Decliners outnumbered advancers 716 to 173, while foreign investors sold a net 98.3 billion won, according to Yonhap.

KOSPI investors weigh chips, oil and rates

Overnight losses in U.S. technology shares pressured Seoul at the open. Rising oil prices also added to market concern after reports of possible supply disruptions, Yonhap reported.

The Bank of Korea held its policy rate at 3.00 percent on October 22. Governor Shin later said growth and inflation looked stronger than in the August projections, preserving expectations for a restrictive policy stance, Yonhap reported.

What comes next for the KOSPI?

• October 26, 2026, 9:00 a.m. KST: The next KOSPI session opens.
• October 28, 2026: SK hynix is scheduled to release third-quarter earnings, Chosun Biz reported.

KOSPI price data for October 23, 2026

The KOSPI closed at 5,550 points on October 23, 2026, up 17 points or 0.3 percent from the previous close of 5,534 points, Yonhap reported. It opened at 5,403 points and recorded a day high of 5,550 points and a day low of 5,306 points.

More market reports and analysis on the KOSPI