South Korean shares soared over 4% on Monday and closed just shy of 5,300 points, as investor fears appeared to have eased over inflated valuations of AI companies.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi rose by 208.9 points, or 4.1%, to finish at 5,298.04. The Kosdaq also increased by 46.78 points, or 4.3%, to end at 1,127.55.

In economic news, South Korea's current account surplus increased to $18.7 billion in December 2025 from $12.9 billion in November 2025, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea released Friday.

Compared with the year-ago period, the figure rose from a surplus of $12.74 billion, the central bank said.

The goods account registered a surplus of $18.85 billion. Exports rose by 13.1% on an annual basis to $71.65 billion, while imports increased 1.7% to $52.80 billion.

Meanwhile, the services account posted a deficit of $3.69 billion, led by travel and other business services.

The primary income account recorded a $4.73 billion surplus in the month, owing to higher dividend income. The secondary income account incurred a deficit of $1.19 billion, the data showed.

In corporate news, Daehan Shipbuilding (KRX:439260) secured an order for two crude oil carriers of 157,000 DWT from Oceania region shipowners, according to a Monday filing with the Korean Exchange.

The contract, valued at 259.7 billion won, is valid until Dec. 31, 2028.

Shares of Daehan Shipbuilding rose more than 3% at market close.