Seoul: South Korea's benchmark stock index, KOSPI, is set to surpass the 6,000-point threshold, according to Jeong Eun-bo, chairman of the Korea Exchange (KRX). Jeong emphasized the index's potential during the bourse operator's first press conference of the year, highlighting efforts to enhance the country's stock market, including extending trading hours to 24.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Jeong's comments follow an impressive rally by the KOSPI, which rose over 75 percent in 2025 due to strong performances in semiconductor shares. Despite a recent dip, closing at 5,163.57, Jeong remains optimistic about the index's growth potential.

To further strengthen South Korea's capital market, the KRX has outlined plans to introduce a pre- and after-hours market in June. This move is part of a broader strategy to gradually implement around-the-clock trading on weekdays, aligning with global exchanges. Jeong underscored the necessity of extending trading hours to attract international liquidity.

The KRX also plans to introduce new investment products, such as leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and weekly options. Additionally, efforts are underway to include the local stock market in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) index, facilitated by enforcing English-language regulatory filings for KOSPI-listed companies.

Jeong also addressed the issue of "zombie companies," attributing them to the undervaluation of the KOSDAQ market. To counter this, the KRX will tighten delisting rules and enhance market monitoring systems with AI technologies to prevent unfair trading.

Further efforts will focus on promoting the public listing of companies in advanced technologies and supporting the establishment of business development companies (BDC). The KRX aims to strengthen its role in incubating non-listed companies to advance the local capital market.

"Our capital market is poised for significant growth, and the KRX is committed to harnessing all resources to achieve the 'Korea Premium'," Jeong concluded.