Korea Tech Daily — 2026-03-29
Samsung Electronics' foreign ownership has plunged to a 12-year low as offshore investors dumped a combined 51 trillion won in semiconductor stocks this month alone, reflecting ongoing market turbulence. Meanwhile, South Korea's AI regulatory framework enters a critical calibration phase as industry feedback shapes deployment standards, and the government's SME Ministry moves to protect startups from predatory VC contract practices.
Korea Tech Daily — 2026-03-29
Top Story
Samsung Electronics Foreign Ownership Hits 12-Year Low Amid Massive Sell-Off
Foreign investors have dumped a staggering 51 trillion won in Korean securities since February, with Samsung Electronics (15.56 trillion won) and SK hynix (6.32 trillion won) accounting for 72% of this month's net selling. Samsung's foreign ownership has fallen to its lowest level in 12 years, underscoring concentrated selling pressure in large-cap semiconductor stocks. Analysts note that while near-term sentiment remains challenged by concerns over AI memory demand compression from Google's TurboQuant tech reveal, long-term demand fundamentals for HBM remain intact.
Samsung · SK Hynix · LG
Samsung and SK Hynix Stocks Slide After Google TurboQuant AI Memory Tech Reveal
Both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix fell sharply on March 26, closing down 4.71% and 6.23% respectively, after Google unveiled its TurboQuant AI memory compression technology. Analysts, however, maintain that long-term AI memory demand remains intact despite the news-driven selloff.
SK Hynix and Samsung Both Tap Ex-Financial Regulators as Board Chairs
SK hynix appointed former FSC chairman Koh Seung-beom as board chair, mirroring Samsung Electronics' recent move to recruit a former financial regulator to its board. Both chipmakers appear to be strengthening financial governance and capital market credibility as they pursue trillion-won investment drives and global capital competition — including SK hynix's potential U.S. IPO.
Samsung and SK Hynix Expand Microscope Procurement to Boost HBM Yield
As AI compute demand surges, Samsung and SK hynix are significantly expanding procurement of integrated microscopy platforms and localized service equipment to improve high-bandwidth memory (HBM) testing and failure analysis. The move is reshaping semiconductor inspection equipment markets globally.
Naver · Kakao · LINE
Naver and Kakao Push AI Agents Amid Stagnant Growth
Naver and Kakao are expanding AI agents into health, shopping, finance, and lifestyle sectors to overcome revenue stagnation. Both companies are accelerating an "agentic AI" push as their core platforms face slowing growth.
Naver and Kakao Launch AI-Based 'Citizen Secretary' Public Service Pilots
South Korea's internet giants Naver and Kakao have each launched pilot versions of an AI-based public service agent developed in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The initiative marks a significant step in deploying conversational AI for government-facing citizen services.
Kakao to Fully Unveil Agent-Based Kanana in KakaoTalk and Kanana Search in H1 2026
Kakao is refining its proprietary on-device AI model, Kanana, which proactively offers assistance based on conversational context. In the first half of 2026, the company plans to fully unveil agent-based Kanana in KakaoTalk and Kanana Search, representing a major upgrade to its AI assistant capabilities.
Startups & Investment
South Korea Invests $166 Million in AI Chip Startup Rebellions
South Korea's industry ministry announced that the Financial Services Commission's advisory board approved a 250 billion won ($166 million) investment in local AI chip startup Rebellions, as part of a government-backed push to nurture a homegrown advanced semiconductor ecosystem capable of challenging Nvidia's dominance.
Korea's SME Ministry Moves to Curb Unfair VC Investment Contracts
Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups is working to curb unfair VC contract practices that exploit startups' weaker bargaining power, planning to revise standard investment contracts by year-end. The move aims to create a more equitable funding environment for early-stage Korean companies.
Policy & Industry
Korea's AI Basic Act Enters Calibration Phase as Real-World Feedback Shapes Policy
Korea's AI law has shifted into a calibration phase, with industry feedback now actively shaping implementation rules as startups and regulators align on real-world AI deployment standards. The Korea AI Basic Act is being positioned not merely as a compliance framework, but as a system-design strategy that influences how startups build and compete in global AI markets.
South Korea has also launched a $6.5 billion plan to accelerate AI and semiconductors, and unveiled a national strategy to democratize AI access — including to agricultural workers — as part of broader ambitions to become a leading AI economy.
What to Watch
- SK Hynix U.S. IPO timeline: SK hynix is expected to move forward with its U.S. listing in H2 2026, targeting up to $14 billion in raises. Watch for updates on filing status and investor roadshows following the confidential filing confirmed in late March.
- Samsung HBM4 supply qualification: Samsung is racing to close the gap with SK hynix in HBM supply to Nvidia. Any news on NVIDIA's HBM4 vendor approval decisions could be a major market catalyst in the coming weeks.
- Korea AI Basic Act implementation rules: As the law enters its calibration phase, watch for the Ministry of Science and ICT to release detailed enforcement guidelines that will set compliance expectations for both domestic AI developers and foreign tech companies operating in Korea.
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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