South Korean shares jump 3% as chipmakers rally on record exports and AI demand

South Korea's KOSPI surged 3.03% on Wednesday, rebounding from a six-month closing low, driven by a rally in chipmakers on record semiconductor exports and optimism over sustained AI infrastructure demand. The benchmark climbed 168.52 points to 5,721.26, with Samsung Electronics gaining 5.08% and SK Hynix advancing 6.13%. Exports more than doubled in the first 20 days of October, supported by foreign investor buying worth 215.8 billion won. The rebound followed Super Micro Computer's upbeat revenue forecast, easing pressure from oil prices and bond yields. Market breadth remained negative, with 495 stocks declining, while the won held steady at 1,326.0 per dollar.