ROK stocks close higher on Friday

Stocks in the Republic of Korea (ROK) closed higher on Friday after a sharp downturn earlier in the week.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 1,001.89 points, or 17.91 percent, to close at 6,595.45, and the smaller KOSDAQ Index also increased 74.98 points, or 11.63 percent, to finish at 719.76.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics and memory chip giant SK hynix surged 26.81 percent and 29.95 percent, respectively.

Analysts said that Friday's rally appeared to be driven largely by foreign investors, with additional momentum coming from short-covering and mechanical rebalancing by leveraged ETFs.

ROK stocks close higher on Friday

To mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), the six-episode documentary The Road to Victory is now airing.

The series provides a comprehensive look at the PLA's modernization across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force, while highlighting the inspiring stories of the service members behind the mission.

The documentary premiered on Thursday on CCTV-1 (CCTV General Channel).

China's Army Day falls on August 1, or Saturday this year.

"The Road to Victory" airs to celebrate PLA's 99th founding anniversary