Samsung Electronics and SK hynix saw their shares jump more than 20 percent on the Korean market Friday morning after a rally in U.S. semiconductor stocks lifted sentiment on the previous night.
Sharp gains follow a three‑day slide
At 9:15 a.m. local time, Samsung Electronics was trading at 249,500 won, up 20.53 percent, while SK hynix rose 22.54 percent to 1.62 million won. The two companies briefly hit higher peaks—SK hynix as much as 28.37 percent and Samsung Electronics as much as 25.6 percent—shortly after the market opened.
Both stocks triggered volatility interruption mechanisms within minutes, a safeguard that temporarily halts trading when price moves exceed set thresholds. After the brief pause, the shares settled around the 20 percent gain level.
These moves reversed a sharp decline that began on Tuesday. Samsung Electronics fell 19.34 percent over three sessions, and SK hynix dropped 29.9 percent in the same period.
Wall Street’s chip surge provides the lift
The turnaround aligns with Thursday’s rally on Wall Street, where the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index climbed 8.19 percent after Microsoft Corp. reported earnings that beat expectations. The index’s rise helped lift a range of chip makers, including Micron Technology, which surged 18.36 percent, and SanDisk, which gained 25.99 percent.
Advanced Micro Devices and Intel also posted gains of 13 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively. The broad‑based strength in U.S. semiconductor shares appears to have restored confidence among Korean investors.
SK hynix received an extra boost from a regulatory filing that disclosed a purchase of 3,620 common shares worth 4.8 billion won by SK Group chairman Chey Tae‑won. The company’s American depositary receipts (ADRs) also rose 17.52 percent in New York trading.
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Related Korean stocks move in step
Other firms linked to the two chip makers rallied as well. SK Square, a major SK hynix shareholder, climbed 20.03 percent to 959,000 won, briefly touching 1.038 million won. Its parent, SK Inc., rose 13.13 percent.
Within the Samsung conglomerate, Samsung Life Insurance increased 12.12 percent to 296,000 won, and Samsung C&T Corp. gained 13.95 percent to 335,000 won. Preferred shares of Samsung Electronics also rose 20.07 percent to 181,300 won.
By the close, Samsung Electronics settled at 262,500 won, SK hynix at 1.718 million won, SK Square at 1.038 million won, and Samsung Life Insurance at 311,500 won.
The market reacted swiftly.
While the immediate surge reflects a rebound from recent losses, the sustainability of such a rapid rise remains uncertain. Investors may watch upcoming earnings reports and any further regulatory developments for clues about whether the momentum can be maintained.
Analysts note that the Korean chip sector has been sensitive to global demand shifts, and the recent U.S. rally could signal a broader recovery. Should export orders grow, the sector could see continued upside, but lingering supply‑chain constraints may temper expectations.
