KOSPI Slides as Construction Rally Fades, KOSDAQ Gains on Biotech and Fintech

The KOSPI fell 1.79% to 6,788.88 points, reflecting a broadly bearish tone on the main board, while the KOSDAQ edged up 0.09% to 838.41 points, indicating modest optimism in the tech‑heavy market. Foreign investors were net sellers on both indices, with a larger outflow on the KOSPI.

KUMHOE&C (002990) +12.34%

Construction firm Kumho Engineering & Construction surged 12.34% to close near KRW 16,150, the sharpest gain on the KOSPI. The rally reflects a near‑doubling of its share price over the past month, fueling broader expectations for a rebound in the construction sector [1][5]. However, institutional investors have been selling and profit‑taking, exerting about a 3% downward pressure during the session [3]. Four risk factors were mentioned in the headline but were not detailed, leaving some uncertainty.

APR (278470) +6.21%

APR jumped 6.21% to KRW 447,500, driven by heightened enthusiasm for the fast‑growing K‑beauty market, which is eroding the defensive stance of traditional conglomerates [12]. Despite speculation that up to 12.35 million shares could be dumped, buying pressure remained strong, supporting the price rise [7]. The stock also recorded intraday gains on August 28, reinforcing the bullish sentiment [8]. The combination of sector tailwinds and resilient demand underpins the rally, though the potential share‑sale risk remains unquantified.

COSMAX, INC. (192820) +7.07%

Cosmax, Inc. advanced 7.07% after an investment analysis report on its subsidiary Cosmax BTI was released on August 25, drawing investor attention [13]. The company also announced participation in establishing Indonesia’s first cosmetics department, a move seen as enhancing its technological capabilities and growth prospects [14]. These developments together lifted sentiment toward the firm, contributing to the notable price gain. No further financial details were disclosed in the headlines.

Seegene Inc. (096530) +11.76%

Seegene surged 11.76% to KRW 33,250, propelled by simultaneous net buying from foreign and institutional investors [15][18]. The uptick coincided with broader strength in biotech and diagnostic stocks amid renewed concerns over a COVID‑19 resurgence, which lifted sector sentiment [16][18]. The combined buying pressure and pandemic‑related optimism pushed the stock higher throughout the session. While the exact magnitude of expected earnings improvement was not detailed, the market reaction reflects heightened interest in COVID‑19 testing firms.

coocon Corporation (294570) +23.85%

Coocon Corp. rocketed 23.85% to KRW 30,300, spurred by several catalysts. The firm expanded its MCP‑based data API product line, strengthening its service portfolio and prompting market optimism [20]. Institutional investors continued a 20‑day streak of net buying, and foreign investors joined the buying wave, amplifying demand [21][24]. Additionally, news that major global banks are planning a joint stablecoin issuance raised expectations that Coocon could play a key role, further fueling the rally [25]. These factors collectively drove the sharp intraday gain.

Sources

1. 한 달 새 주가 두 배 가까이 뛴 금호건설…리스크 요인 4가지 — 한국경제 · 2026-08-28
2. 금호건설 주가, 8월 28일 장중 16,150원 6.66% 상승 — 톱스타뉴스 · 2026-08-28
3. 금호건설, 기관 매도세와 차익 실현에 3%대 하락 마감 : 한국증시 — 재경일보 · 2026-08-27
4. 금호건설 주가, 8월 26일 장중 15,540원 1.04% 상승 — 톱스타뉴스 · 2026-08-26
5. 금호건설 장중 5%대 급등, 건설업종 반등 기대감 유입 : 한국증시 — 재경일보 · 2026-08-28
6. 금호건설 주가, 8월 25일 장중 14,860원 보합 — 톱스타뉴스 · 2026-08-25
7. 1235만주 쏟아질 수 있는데… 에이피알 주가는 왜 오르나 - 조선비즈 — Chosunbiz · 2026-08-26
8. 에이피알 주가, 8월 28일 장중 447,500원 2.99% 상승 — 톱스타뉴스 · 2026-08-28
9. 에이피알 주가 1,500원 상승후 장마감 — 아시아뉴스통신 · 2026-08-26
10. 에이피알 주가 상승 중 — 아시아뉴스통신 · 2026-08-26
11. 에이피알 주가, 8월 25일 장중 425,250원 3.85% 상승 — 톱스타뉴스 · 2026-08-25
12. K-뷰티 돌풍에 재계 부호 지형도 ‘흔들’… 재벌 총수 철옹성 뚫은 에이피알 — v.daum.net · 2026-08-26
13. 코스맥스비티아이 투자분석 2026. 08. 25 — 주달 · 2026-08-25
14. 코스맥스, 인도네시아 첫 화장품학과 개설 참여...기술력 고도화 — 아주경제 · 2026-08-28
15. [장중수급포착] 씨젠, 외국인/기관 동시 순매수… 주가 +6.11% — 뉴스핌 · 2026-08-28
16. 코로나19 관련주 장중 강세…신풍제약 13%대·씨젠 5%대↑ — 이코노뉴스 · 2026-08-28
17. 씨젠 주가, 8월 25일 장중 31,000원 3.58% 하락 — 중앙이코노미뉴스 · 2026-08-25
18. 씨젠 12.38% 급등, 코로나19 재확산 우려에 외국인·기관 동반 매수세 집중… 실적 개선 기대감 솔솔 (+096530, 씨젠, 코로나19, 외국인매수, 기관매수, 2026년 8월 28일 금요일) — 민심뉴스 · 2026-08-28
19. 씨젠, 주가 8월 28일 장중 33,250원 4.23% 상승 — 중앙이코노미뉴스 · 2026-08-28
20. [서치 e종목] 쿠콘, MCP 기반 데이터 API 상품 확대 출시 등으로 주가 반등? — 데일리인베스트 · 2026-08-24
21. [장중수급포착] 쿠콘, 기관 20일 연속 순매수행진... 주가 +25.65% — 뉴스핌 · 2026-08-28
22. 쿠콘 주가, 급등세... 왜? — 금강일보 · 2026-08-28
23. 쿠콘 주가, 8월 28일 장중 30,300원 21.44% 상승 — 톱스타뉴스 · 2026-08-28
24. [장중수급포착] 쿠콘, 외국인/기관 동시 순매수… 주가 +23.45% — 뉴스핌 · 2026-08-28
25. [특징주] 쿠콘, 글로벌 주요 은행들의 스테이블코인 공동 발행 추진 소식에 급등세 — 와이드경제 · 2026-08-28

This is market commentary, not investment advice.