Korea Exchange says KOSPI has ample room to reach 6,000… also pushing for digital-asset ETFs

Jung Eun-bo, chairman of the Korea Exchange (KRX), said on the 5th that “there is no major issue with the KOSPI moving above 6,000.”

Speaking at a New Year press briefing held at the KRX’s Seoul office, Jung said, “Compared with major overseas markets, the KOSPI already has sufficient capacity to rise to at least 6,000,” adding that “if stock levels move past KOSPI 6,000, that would bring it up to developed-market levels.” He also said, “JP Morgan recently revised its (KOSPI) target to 7,500, but beyond that level it could be entering a premium phase.”

The KRX also announced its “core exchange strategy for a major leap forward in the capital market.” From the end of June, the exchange plans to open a pre-market (7–8 a.m.) and an after-market (4–8 p.m.) in the stock market, establishing a 12-hour daily trading framework. The exchange’s position is also to introduce a 24-hour trading system by the end of 2027.

It is also moving to introduce crypto ETFs. The exchange presented “support for revitalizing the digital-asset ecosystem” as one of its core strategies. It plans first to swiftly introduce crypto ETFs—such as those linked to Bitcoin (BTC)—that have so far traded only overseas, to meet demand from domestic investors. To align investor-protection standards, it also decided to pursue a plan to apply the same regulations used domestically to crypto ETFs listed abroad.

“Our capital market is at a turning point for a major leap forward,” Jung said, adding, “The exchange will concentrate all of its capabilities on advancing the capital market toward a ‘Korea Premium.’”