Chip, chip ... boom? South Korea tech makers join the trillion-dollar club but some fear a short-circuit looms
South Korea's Kospi stock market has reached record highs, driven by a surge in semiconductor earnings due to AI demand. The rise has propelled South Korea to become the sixth largest share market globally, surpassing India. However, experts caution about potential risks associated with the heavy reliance on just two chipmakers, Samsung and SK Hynix.
- ▪The Kospi index hit an all-time high of 8,880, marking a 220% rise in 12 months.
- ▪SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics have both joined the trillion-dollar company club due to explosive chip demand.
- ▪Goldman Sachs has raised its 12-month Kospi target to 9,000, citing a 'once-in-a-generation surge' in semiconductor earnings.
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South Korea's Kospi stock market jumps past 8,000-point milestone on 26 May 2026. The rise is due to a ‘once-in-a-generation surge’ in chips, for AI use, and semiconductor earnings. Photograph: YONHAP/EPAView image in fullscreenSouth Korea's Kospi stock market jumps past 8,000-point milestone on 26 May 2026. The rise is due to a ‘once-in-a-generation surge’ in chips, for AI use, and semiconductor earnings. Photograph: YONHAP/EPASouth KoreaChip, chip ... boom? South Korea tech makers join the trillion-dollar club but some fear a short-circuit loomsSouth Korea’s Kospi stock market has hit record highs thanks to AI, but experts urge caution over boom-bust cycles and a heavy reliance on two chipmakersMark SaunokonokoTue 2 Jun 2026 22.43 EDTLast modified on Tue 2 Jun 2026 22.44 EDTSharePrefer…
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