Building on its status as the world’s top-performing index in 2025 with a staggering 75% return, the KOSPI has continued to outpace its global peers well into 2026. But can the South Korean index still hit new highs in 2026?Weekly KOSPI Chart – Source: TradingView

Part one: The making of a market phenomenon

As of the market close on Friday, March 6th, the South Korean benchmark has climbed an additional 25% year-to-date—a remarkable feat at a time when most major markets are stru