Hanwha Aerospace (KRX: 012450), a prominent player in South Korea’s defense industry, witnessed its stock price rise to ₩998,000, edging closer to the symbolic ₩1 million mark. This development has led investors to speculate on the potential realization of Korea's "five emperor stocks" as the KOSPI index strengthens.

Data from the Korea Exchange on the 30th shows Hanwha Aerospace concluded the trading session at ₩998,000, an increase of ₩45,000 or 4.72% from the prior day, thereby reaching a new peak.

The company’s stock value has ascended by 210% this year, spurred by the increasing global demand for military defense systems. As South Korean defense companies extend their export capabilities, Hanwha Aerospace emerges as a key beneficiary within this expanding market.

In the previous month, the stock momentarily peaked at ₩987,000, marking it as a strong contender to achieve the “emperor stock” designation following Samyang Foods (KRX: 003230). Nevertheless, a brief market adjustment enabled Hyosung Heavy Industries (KRX: 298040) to attain this milestone first.

The upward momentum reemerged in August as investor sentiment was revitalized, driving Hanwha Aerospace’s stock upward. The latest uptick was supported by news of Kim Dong-kwan, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group, traveling to Washington to advance defense trade discussions, injecting new optimism and propelling the stock to new record levels.

Date: 2025-07-30