Key Points

South Korean lithium stocks experienced significant gains, mirroring a massive surge in shares of US-based Lithium Americas. This rally was reportedly fueled by news that the Trump administration is seeking a stake in the company, highlighting strategic interest in domestic lithium supplies. Separately, Korean defense stocks also climbed for a second session following President Trump's strong comments regarding NATO and the Ukraine war. In other market movements, shares of game developer PearlAbyss rose after it confirmed the 2026 release date for its new title, Crimson Desert.

Key Points: Korean Lithium Stocks Rally on US Lithium Americas Surge

  • Hydro Lithium Inc. shares surged over 9.5% following the Wall Street rally
  • The gains were fueled by a near 96% jump in US-based Lithium Americas Corp.
  • Defense stocks like Hanwha Aerospace also rose on Trump's NATO remarks
  • Game developer PearlAbyss rallied after confirming its Crimson Desert release date
3 min read

Korean lithium stocks climb on US market rally

South Korean lithium and defense shares climb following a massive rally in US-based Lithium Americas and President Trump's remarks on the Ukraine war.

"The stake demand suggests the U.S. government intends to directly participate in strategically important raw materials - Mirae Asset Securities analyst Seo Sang-young"

Seoul, September 25

South Korean lithium stocks gained on Thursday after Lithium Americas Corp. shares surged on Wall Street, as per a report by Pulse, the English service of Maeil Business Newspaper Korea.

Hydro Lithium Inc. was trading at 2,585 won (USD 1.85) as of 9:28 a.m., up 9.53 per cent from the previous session. Lithium-for-earth Inc. shares rose 5.48 per cent to 1,310 won.

The rally followed a 95.77 per cent jump in Lithium Americas shares the previous day in New York. Lithium Americas operates the Thacker Pass lithium project, the largest lithium mine development in the United States. The project has drawn bipartisan support for building a domestic lithium supply chain and reducing reliance on China.

Lithium Americas shares soared after reports that the Trump administration is seeking up to a 10 per cent stake in the company.

Mirae Asset Securities analyst Seo Sang-young said the stake demand suggests the U.S. government intends to directly participate in strategically important raw materials, which fueled investor expectations and the sharp rally.

Defense stocks also extended gains for a second session following US President Trump's tough remarks on Russia.

Hanwha Aerospace Co. shares were up 2.93 per cent at 1.089 million won as of 9:18 a.m., Poongsan Corp. shares rose 4 per cent, Hyundai-Rotem Co. shares added 0.88 per cent, Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. shares gained 1.93 per cent, and LIG Nex1 Co. shares advanced 3.63 per cent.

During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (local time), Trump was asked whether North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries should shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace and said they should.

He also wrote on social media that with additional European and NATO support, Ukraine could get back "the original borders from where this war started." The remarks lifted expectations of stronger European rearmament and a prolonged war, driving defense shares higher.

Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly "reiterated Trump's call for the killing to stop" in the Ukraine war to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, urging "meaningful steps."

On the same day, PearlAbyss Corp. stock also rallied after confirming the release date of its new title.

The shares were up 7.86 per cent at 37,050 won as of 9:21 a.m. The company announced during Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC's "State of Play" showcase that its upcoming open-world action-adventure game "Crimson Desert" will launch on March 19th, 2026, for PC (Steam), Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The defense stock rally is concerning. War shouldn't be a reason for market gains. Hope diplomatic solutions prevail in Ukraine. Peace is better for everyone in the long run.
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Arjun K
95% jump in Lithium Americas is massive! Shows how critical battery metals have become. India recently discovered lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir - hope we develop them properly. 🤞
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Sarah B
The gaming stock rally caught my eye! Crimson Desert looks promising. Indian gaming industry should take notes - we have great potential but need better infrastructure and support.
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Karthik V
While the market movements are interesting, I wish the article provided more analysis on how this affects Asian markets beyond Korea. India's renewable energy sector could learn from these developments.
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Michael C
Good to see diversification away from Chinese lithium dominance. This creates opportunities for other countries including India to enter the supply chain. Strategic minerals are the new oil!

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