South Korean shares closed higher on Thursday, owing to gains made by auto and shipbuilding stocks, despite the ongoing investor worries related to US tariff policies.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi rose by 5.91 points, or 0.2%, to end at 3,192.29. The Kosdaq also increased by 6.04 points, or 0.7%, to close at 818.27.

Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) will launch its 2025 models of the Bespoke AI Washing Machine and Dryer on Friday, July 18, the electronics products maker said in a Thursday release.

The products come with new AI features and a 7-inch touchscreen. The washer has a 25kg capacity, while the dryer holds 22kg. AI-enhanced functions customize washing and drying based on fabric type and soil level, the company said.

The products, priced from 1.95 million won, are Bixby-voice-control-enabled.

Shares of Samsung Electronics rose more than 3% at market close.

In other news, LG Uplus (KRX:032640) will roll out Yoodok Pick AI on July 22, a customizable AI subscription service that lets users choose and switch between AI tools each month at discounted rates, addressing cost concerns and cancellation hassles of traditional services.

The service includes three chatbot-style conversational AIs--Liner, Felo, and Excellent AI--and seven specialized tools for tasks like design, editing, and learning, according to an LG Uplus release on Thursday.

Shares of LG Uplus rose more than 1% at market close.