KOSPI Surges 31% for April—Strongest Month Since 1998

South Korea's KOSPI index posted approximately 31% gains in April, marking the strongest monthly performance since January 1998. Semiconductor and AI optimism overwhelmed Iran war concerns, analysis shows. The VKOSPI (KOSPI200 volatility index) retreated to 46.54 intraday on April 14. Concurrent record highs in margin loan balances have sparked short-term overheating and bubble concerns.