** Shares of South Korean publisher Samsung Publishing Co
Ltd 068290.KS surge after local media reports its affiliate
SmartStudy, which created the viral song "Baby Shark," is
preparing for IPO
** Report says co has selected its IPO adviser and is aiming
for IPO next year - Korea Economic Daily https://bit.ly/2FISpmb
** Stock rises as much as 20.9 pct to its record high
** The publisher owns 25 pct stake in SmartStudy -
regulatory filing https://bit.ly/2FwTHBm
** Toebox Korea Ltd 215480.KQ , manufacturer of the related
character merchandise including toys, also jumps as much as 10.1
pct
** The children's song "Baby Shark" previously broke into
Top 40 on Billboard Hot 100 chart
** Broader KOSPI market .KS11 up 0.2 pct as of 0126 GMT
((Reuters Messaging: joori.roh.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))