Korean Stocks Rebound 1% in Pre-Market on Trump's Restraint Remarks

Korean stocks rebounded more than 1% in pre-market trading after falling over 2%, as the Trump administration signaled restraint on Middle East escalation amid political pressure from surging oil prices.

According to Nextrade, the pre-market was up 1.46% as of 8:10 a.m. on the 20th. The KOSPI index fell 2.73% the previous day after gaining 5.04% the day before, showing heightened volatility with sharp swings.

Among top market-cap stocks, all posted gains except Hanwha Aerospace (-0.95%). Samsung Electronics (+2.00%), SK Hynix (+2.17%), Hyundai Motor (+1.53%), SK Square (+1.64%), and Kia (+1.88%) outpaced the broader market.

The Trump administration's successive statements urging restraint on escalation and oil price stabilization appear to have positively influenced markets. President Trump said at a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to conduct additional strikes on Iran's oil and gas facilities.

Asked whether he intended to deploy U.S. ground troops or send additional forces to Iran, Trump said "No." Netanyahu subsequently said he would not conduct further airstrikes on Iranian gas fields at Trump's request. Trump also claimed an early end to the conflict was possible, saying Iran had reached a state where it could no longer enrich nuclear fuel or produce missiles.

New York markets opened lower on rising oil prices following attacks on Middle East energy facilities but gradually trimmed losses as the Trump administration issued statements urging restraint.