[Sep 18, 2026 Korea Market Closing] KOSPI Surges 2.66% Amid Fear Index at 29: What Should Investors Focus On? KOSPI Closes at 6,894 Level with Key Industry & Policy Developments

Market Summary

The Korean stock market recorded gains across both main indices today. Alongside market index movements, notable news emerged regarding agricultural export successes, legal court decisions, and government policy updates.

• 📌 [Market Index Summary]: The KOSPI index surged 2.66% to 6,894.23, while the KOSDAQ index rose 0.60% to close at 827.12.
• 📌 [Regional Export Achievements]: Donggye Agricultural Cooperative in Sunchang achieved 12 consecutive years of chestnut exports to China, shipping 150 tons this year.
• 📌 [Policy & Social Updates]: Quarantine authorities responded to an additional foot-and-mouth disease case in Ganghwa, while political and legal announcements were issued.

Although indices finished in positive territory, with the Fear & Greed Index at 29, beginner investors are advised to focus on fundamental earnings quality and sector-specific policy changes.

Author’s Opinion & Investment Strategy

Watching today’s trading action, it was clear that despite a solid index jump, market participants remain disciplined. Beginners should prioritize verifiable business news over market hype.

• 💡 [Portfolio Allocation Focus]: During index rebounds, give priority to entities with proven export records and strong fundamental backing.
• 💡 [Managing Unforeseen Sector Risks]: Pay attention to sudden operational risks like livestock disease outbreaks or structural changes in service industries.
• 💡 [Monitoring Legal & Regulatory Shifts]: Track legal precedents, such as court decisions permitting insurance policy cancellations for fraud, to assess corporate risk profiles.

Avoid impulsive emotional trades and stick to an evidence-led strategy based on verified news and data.

Deep Dive of News Channels

① Naver Pay Securities - Summary

Market attention centered around individual company milestones in agricultural export logistics alongside structural issues in service sectors.

• 🔹 [Index Bounce]: KOSPI rose 2.66% and KOSDAQ climbed 0.60%, demonstrating improved buyer sentiment.
• 🔹 [Export Record]: The 12-year consecutive export record for Sunchang chestnuts stood out.

• Donggye Agricultural Cooperative: Successfully exported 150 tons of chestnuts from Sunchang to China, achieving a 12-year consecutive export record. It maintains a stable agricultural supply and distribution network.
• Jeonbuk Agricultural Cooperative: Collaborated with Donggye Agricultural Coop to support overseas supply routes for regional produce. It contributes to enhancing local farm incomes through export expansion.
• Gayeon: Released survey results analyzing marriage budget expectations among unmarried men and women. The survey noted that while 88% view small weddings positively, only 8.4% choose them.
• Multiplex Movie Theater Operators: Face ongoing cinema closures despite recent box office hits due to slow recovery to pre-pandemic attendance levels. Structural adjustments are being discussed across the industry.

② Yonhap News Economy - Summary

Covered critical livestock quarantine developments in Ganghwa alongside municipal urban planning briefings scheduled near Seoul Airport.

• 🔹 [Quarantine Alert]: Two cows tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease in Ganghwa, prompting intensified quarantine.
• 🔹 [Safety Zone Adjustment]: Seongnam City scheduled a citizen briefing for Sept 22 regarding altitude restriction relaxations.

• Donggye Agricultural Cooperative: Shipped 150 tons of chestnuts to China, maintaining its multi-year overseas delivery record. It continues to expand its international sales channel.
• Jeonbuk Agricultural Cooperative: Partners with local cooperatives to widen overseas distribution channels for Korean produce. It plays a key role in boosting brand value and managing domestic supply.
• Ganghwa Livestock Farms: Implementing strict livestock movement restrictions and quarantine measures following additional FMD antigen detections. Emergency disinfection operations are currently underway.
• Seongnam Urban Development Operators: Monitoring potential profitability changes linked to the reduction of flight safety zones around Seoul Airport. Detailed municipal plans will be shared during the upcoming briefing on Sept 22.

③ Maeil Business News - Summary

Focused on cultural service sector challenges, supreme court precedents on insurance contract cancellations, and legal policy updates.

• 🔹 [Cinema Closure Trends]: Movie theaters continue shutting down despite hit releases due to lingering structural sluggishness.
• 🔹 [Insurance Fraud Ruling]: Courts ruled that insurance contracts can be canceled upon fraud conviction regardless of restitution funds.

• Gayeon: Highlighted survey insights regarding wedding cost burdens, pointing to housing as the primary financial concern. The survey offers a clear view into consumer sentiment among young adults.
• Multiplex Movie Theater Operators: Struggling with fixed rent costs and changing consumer habits, leading to branch closures despite popular movie releases. Industry recovery remains below pre-pandemic norms.
• Major Insurance Companies: Gained strengthened legal backing to terminate insurance policies upon fraud convictions. The ruling solidifies trust-based contract principles across the insurance industry.
• Ministry of Justice Policy Entities: Reviewing personnel and policy direction following the voluntary resignation of the Minister nominee. Administrative procedures will proceed in line with public expectations.

Top 5 Key Companies of the Day

1. Donggye Agricultural Cooperative: Exported 150 tons of Sunchang chestnuts to China, achieving 12 consecutive years of overseas sales. It maintains a strong distribution framework that stabilizes local farm earnings.
2. Jeonbuk Agricultural Cooperative: Co-manages long-term export channels for regional Korean produce in partnership with local agricultural cooperatives. It helps regulate domestic supply and enhances agricultural brand equity.
3. Gayeon: A prominent matchmaking firm that published detailed survey findings on marriage budget perceptions. The data highlights economic realities, such as housing costs, facing unmarried adults.
4. Multiplex Movie Theater Operators: Facing persistent operational hurdles and branch shutdowns despite box office hits like ‘The Man Who Lives with the King’ and ‘Spider-Man’. High fixed costs and altered viewing habits present key challenges.
5. Major Insurance Companies: Benefited from a precedent establishing the right to cancel insurance policies after fraud convictions regardless of court deposits. This strengthens insurers’ legal grounds to enforce good-faith terms.

Source & Disclaimer

• Source: Naver Pay Securities, Yonhap News Economy, Maeil Business News
• This content represents a personal opinion and is for reference only.