Korea Tech Daily — 2026-04-28
South Korea's stock market surpassed the UK and France to rank 8th globally by market capitalization, fueled by record earnings from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix amid the AI hardware boom. Google announced plans to build an AI campus in Seoul to collaborate with local engineers and startups, while Korea's new industries attracted 5.2 trillion won in venture investment in 2025. SK Hynix shares rallied 7% to a record high following Intel's earnings results, which rekindled AI demand expectations.
Korea Tech Daily — 2026-04-28
Top Story
South Korea's stock market has surpassed those of the United Kingdom and France, now ranking 8th in the world by market capitalization, driven largely by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix riding the global AI hardware wave. According to Bloomberg data cited Monday, the KOSPI's record-breaking ascent reflects a broader re-rating of Korean memory chipmakers as AI-driven demand lifts pricing and margins to historic highs. SK Hynix reported a Q1 2026 operating margin of approximately 72%—among the highest globally—while Samsung nears 70%, cementing Korea's central role in the AI memory supply chain. The development underscores how Korea's semiconductor giants have become de facto proxies for global AI infrastructure investment.
Samsung · SK Hynix · LG
SK Hynix Shares Rally 7% to Record High on Intel AI Demand Signal Shares in Nvidia supplier SK Hynix rallied more than 7% to a record high Monday after U.S. chipmaker Intel's earnings results rekindled expectations of sustained artificial intelligence demand, outperforming Samsung's 2.5% gain on the same day.
Samsung and SK Hynix ELS Issuance Quadruples as Investors Chase Yields Korea's equity-linked securities (ELS) market has rebounded sharply, with domestic equity-linked issuances quadrupling, led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix products offering up to 24% annual returns with ultra-low knock-in structures—a sign of surging retail and institutional appetite for structured exposure to the two chipmakers.
AI Memory Margins Hit Historic Highs: SK Hynix at 72%, Samsung Near 70% SK Hynix reported record Q1 2026 results with an operating margin of approximately 72%—among the highest globally—as AI-driven demand lifted memory pricing. Samsung is approaching 70% operating margin, with both companies demonstrating the extraordinary profitability unlocked by AI infrastructure buildout.
Naver · Kakao · LINE
No breaking Naver, Kakao, or LINE news was published within the past 24 hours that has not been previously covered.
Note: Recent search results for Naver and Kakao coverage are dated January 2026 or earlier, and April 1 for the Agentic AI Alliance. The most recently dateable Naver/Kakao story available falls outside the 24-hour freshness window. Only verified-fresh content is included per editorial policy.
Korea's Agentic AI Alliance (context for ongoing coverage): The Ministry of Science and ICT launched an Agentic AI Alliance with LG AI Research, Kakao, and other partners on April 1, 2026, to advance Korea's agentic AI ecosystem—a development continuing to shape Naver and Kakao's competitive landscape as both companies pursue AI agent service rollouts in 2026.
Startups & Investment
Google to Build AI Campus in Seoul to Foster Local Startup Collaboration South Korea and Google agreed Monday to build an artificial intelligence campus in Seoul, according to presidential policy adviser Kim Yong-beom. The campus is designed to develop cooperation between Google and local engineers and startups, marking a significant foreign tech investment commitment to Korea's AI ecosystem.
Korea Investment & Securities Signs MOU with Venture Association to Nurture Startups Korea Investment & Securities signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Venture Business Association to identify promising venture companies, provide IPO consulting, and support KOSDAQ listings—a move aimed at channeling more institutional resources toward Korea's startup pipeline.
Policy & Industry
Korea's New Industries Drew 5.2 Trillion Won in Venture Investment in 2025 Korea's new industries—including AI and semiconductors—attracted 5.2 trillion won (approximately $3.7 billion USD) in venture investment in 2025, accounting for 76% of total venture funding, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups said Monday. The figure highlights Korea's strategic pivot toward high-tech sectors, though a separate KOTEC analysis found that Korean venture firms are stalling in their AI transformation as willingness to shift outpaces actual infrastructure readiness.
What to Watch
- Samsung labor dynamics: After tens of thousands of Samsung workers rallied at factory complexes last week over pay gaps with SK Hynix and threatened a lengthy strike, watch for any escalation that could disrupt AI chip production schedules in the weeks ahead.
- Korea single-stock leveraged ETF launch: Korea is set to launch its first 2x leverage products on Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix as early as November 22; regulatory commentary or timeline updates in coming days could move market sentiment.
- Google AI campus details: Following Monday's announcement of a Google AI campus in Seoul, watch for specifics on location, timeline, investment size, and which Korean startups and universities will be involved—details expected to emerge in upcoming government briefings.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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