Korea's Kospi index rose 0.2% to 2,623 on Friday, gaining 1.9% for the week and its fifth straight weekly gain as weaker-than-expected U.S. data suggested the Federal Reserve could cut rates twice this year, prompting South Korea to adopt a similar policy outlook. Investors also assessed data showing import prices fell for a third straight month, further strengthening bets on the Bank of Korea to ease policy while awaiting progress in ongoing U.S.-South Korea tariff talks. In corporate news, chip giant SK Hynix rose 2.1% after it reported that U.S. sales accounted for 72% of its first-quarter revenue, up from 50% a year earlier, driven by strong demand for AI-related chips. Investors also noted that SK Hynix's HBM production orders are full this year, sparking optimism about the chip sector, South Korea's main export sector. Defense, shipbuilding and automotive stocks also saw notable gains, such as Hanwha Aerospace (2.1%), Hanwha Marine (0.8%) and Kia Motors (0.9%).