Celltrion (068270.KS) shares climbed in Seoul trading as the biopharmaceutical company reported record second-quarter sales alongside a notable improvement in profitability.

The results signal a strengthening operational footing for the firm, which has been navigating intense global competition in the biosimilars market.

The positive earnings data contributed to a broader rally in South Korean equities, which opened sharply higher on Thursday.

The market-wide buying was initially buoyed by a wave of interest in semiconductor shares following a stronger-than-expected earnings report from US memory chipmaker Micron Technology.

However, the momentum extended beyond tech, with investors rewarding companies demonstrating clear margin expansion and revenue growth.

Celltrion's performance highlights a shift in investor sentiment toward quality earnings in the Korean market.