▲ This May 15, 2026, file photo shows a screen at Hana Bank's dealing room in Seoul. (Yonhap)
▲ A dealing room at Hana Bank in Seoul on May 22, 2026 (Yonhap)

(LEAD) stocks-open

(LEAD) Seoul shares open at new record high over 8,000 on hopes for U.S.-Iran deal

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 2-3, 4-17)

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened at a new record high of over 8,000 Tuesday on rising hopes for a U.S.-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 183.8 points, or 2.34 percent, to 8,031.51 as of 9:15 a.m.

The index topped the 8,000-point mark for the first time since May 15.

Overnight, U.S. President Donald Trump said that peace negotiations with Iran are proceeding "nicely" but warned of fresh attacks if they fail.

On optimism for a possible end of the war, oil prices fell sharply. Brent crude sank 7 percent to US$96, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures dropped 6.5 percent to $90.

The South Korean stock market closed Monday in observance of the Buddha's Birthday holiday.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 2.14 percent, and its chipmaking rival SK hynix jumped 4.22 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor gained 2.6 percent, and leading battery maker LG Energy Solution added 2.76 percent.

Major shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean shot up 4.17 percent, and pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics climbed 1.06 percent.

The Korean won was trading at 1,514.25 won against the U.S. dollar at 9:15 a.m., up 2.15 won from the previous session.

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