Seoul: The KOSPI 200 index closed with significant gains, driven by strong performances in the pharmaceutical and financial sectors. Several companies saw their stock prices increase, contributing to the positive momentum in the market. According to Yonhap News Agency, HanmiPharm led the surge in the pharmaceutical sector, with its shares climbing by 5,000 to close at 280,000. In the financial sector, Meritz Financial saw a rise of 2,900, closing at 105,800, while DGB Financial Group's shares went up by 360, reaching 9,330. BNK Financial Group also recorded a notable increase, with its stock up by 960 to end at 11,880. Other significant gainers included KCC, which increased by 7,500 to 243,500, and SK, which rose by 3,800, finishing at 139,800. SKBP's shares increased by 1,900, closing at 104,600, and SamaAlum saw an impressive rise of 4,550, with its stock closing at 42,200. In contrast, some companies experienced declines. SKTelecom's shares decreased by 900, ending at 60,000, and HyundaiElev saw a drop of 400, closing at 51,500. Doosanfc experienced a decline of 310, with shares ending at 17,220, while KT saw a decrease of 350, closing at 48,650. Overall, the market exhibited a positive trend, with substantial contributions from the pharmaceutical and financial sectors, reflecting investor confidence and market optimism.