Hanwha Aerospace (KRX: 012450), heralded as a pillar in South Korea’s defense industry, has seen its stock price escalate to an impressive ₩998,000. This milestone places the company tantalizingly close to the prestigious ₩1 million mark per share. With the KOSPI index demonstrating robust performance, investors are keenly watching to see if the era of South Korea’s “five emperor stocks” is on the horizon.

Data released by the Korea Exchange on the 30th reveals that Hanwha Aerospace concluded the day at ₩998,000, reflecting an increase of ₩45,000 or 4.72% from the previous trading session, and setting a new record high for the company.

This dramatic rise in the company’s stock value—a 210% increase over the year—has been primarily propelled by the mounting global demand for advanced weaponry and defense systems. With Korean defense corporations broadening their reach in the international market, Hanwha Aerospace stands out as a significant winner in this flourishing sector.

In the preceding month, the stock momentarily achieved ₩987,000, marking it as a prime candidate to achieve the emperor stock distinction following Samyang Foods (KRX: 003230). However, a brief market correction saw Hyosung Heavy Industries (KRX: 298040) seize the title first, albeit temporarily.

The bullish sentiment resurged in August as investor confidence rebounded, propelling Hanwha Aerospace’s stock even higher. This upward trajectory received a further boost with the announcement that Kim Dong-kwan, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group, embarked on a trip to Washington. His mission to foster defense trade negotiations infused the market with renewed optimism, driving the stock to unprecedented heights.

Date: 2025-07-30