KOSPI Q2 Operating Profit Hits 227.7 Trillion Won, Up 234% Year-over-Year

According to Eugene Investment & Securities, South Korea's KOSPI-listed companies posted combined operating profit of approximately 227.7 trillion won in the second quarter of 2026, a 234% increase year-over-year, with net profit to shareholders jumping 265.6% to 176.7 trillion won.

Excluding semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which account for 66% of total KOSPI operating profit, remaining companies still achieved 44% profit growth at 78.4 trillion won. Semiconductors led sector gains with a 1,031% surge, followed by energy (675%), IT hardware (259%), and shipbuilding (152%). Analysts note that post-earnings surprises based on operating profit beats have historically driven stronger subsequent share price performance.