Seoul: South Korean stocks extended their winning streak to a 12th day, closing at an unprecedented level, driven by gains in auto and technology shares. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar.

According to Yonhap News Agency, after opening lower, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 63.92 points, or 1.32 percent, to finish at 4,904.66, after reaching an intraday high of 4,917.37. This marks the 12th consecutive day of gains since the year's start and represents the longest winning streak since a 13-session rally from September 4 to September 24, 2019.

Trade volume was significant, with 564.9 million shares worth 25 trillion won (US$16.9 billion) changing hands, as decliners outnumbered gainers 487 to 397. Foreign investors led the rally, purchasing a net 551.3 billion won worth of local shares, while retail and institutional investors sold a net 750.7 billion won and 24 billion won, respectively.

On Friday (local time), major U.S. stock indexes ended lower, as investors reacted to fourth-quarter earnings results from U.S. companies. In Seoul, most large-cap shares ended higher, with auto and tech shares leading the gain.

"Investor expectations for physical artificial intelligence (AI) have shifted toward Hyundai Motor Group and LG Electronics," said Lee Kyung-min, an analyst at Daeshin Securities. He noted the index is nearing the 5,000-point level.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor surged 16.22 percent to a record high of 480,000 won, and its affiliate Kia rose 12.18 percent to 169,500 won. The gains followed news of the companies achieving a record combined market share in the United States in 2025, supported by expanded local production and robust hybrid vehicle sales.

Semiconductor shares also ended in positive territory, with industry leader Samsung Electronics inching up 0.27 percent to 149,300 won and SK hynix increasing 1.06 percent to 764,000 won.

The local currency was quoted at 1,473.75 won against the greenback at 3:30 p.m., down 0.15 won from the previous session. Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 5 basis points to 3.130 percent, while the return on the benchmark five-year government bonds increased 6.9 basis points to 3.389 percent.