South Korea-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are among the top performers in today's trading session. As of writing, Samsung Global Semiconductor (03132) has risen 3.72% to HK$55.22. CSOP Hong Kong & Korea Technology (03431) has gained 3.28%, trading at HK$9.455. Global X Asia Semiconductor (03319) is up 3.02% at HK$141.7. Meanwhile, TR Korea (02848) has increased by 2.98% to HK$15.705 million.

The positive momentum follows the release of preliminary data from the Bank of Korea on the 23rd, which showed the country's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 1.7% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter. This marks the highest quarterly growth rate in five years and six months. The first-quarter GDP growth nearly doubled the central bank's February forecast of 0.9%.

Analysts note that while geopolitical tensions involving Iran pose downside risks to the South Korean economy, strong export performance, particularly in the semiconductor sector, and a gradual recovery in domestic demand, including investment, are providing support. SK Hynix reported a staggering 405% year-on-year surge in its first-quarter operating profit, reaching 37.6103 trillion won. Additionally, Morgan Stanley has significantly raised its operating profit forecasts for both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix for this year and the next, continuing to inject upward momentum into the semiconductor sector.