A dealer works at the main dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung District, Seoul, on September 22. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s semiconductor rally is spilling over into smaller suppliers, as investor optimism over improving memory prices boosts not only giants like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix but also makers of materials, components and equipment.
On Monday, Samsung Electronics closed up 4.77 percent at 83,500 won, touching an intraday high of 84,000 won — its strongest level in 52 weeks. SK hynix eased slightly but held firm above 350,000 won, preserving most of its recent gains.
The positive momentum spread across mid-tier semiconductor names. STI rose 5.92 percent, while TCK gained 1.51 percent, Hana Micron 2.64 percent, and Tes 1.27 percent. Analysts said enthusiasm for chipmakers is filtering into the broader semiconductor ecosystem.
“The outperformance of large-cap stocks reflects fundamental strength from higher memory prices, particularly driven by server demand,” said Kim Rok-ho, an analyst at Hana Securities. “That positive trajectory is extending to smaller equipment and materials suppliers.”
Brokerages argue the recovery in memory markets could strengthen the long-term growth case for smaller firms supplying Samsung and SK hynix. Equipment makers tied to next-generation nanometer transitions, expected in 2026, are singled out as beneficiaries.
“Many domestic suppliers are heavily exposed to Samsung Electronics,” said Ko Young-min of Daol Investment & Securities. “As Samsung’s earnings rebound, their performance and share prices are also likely to recover. Despite the recent rise, valuations remain in the mid-range of historical bands, leaving room for further alignment.”
The surge in heavyweight chip stocks has buoyed the broader Korean equity market, underscoring expectations that semiconductors will continue to anchor the country’s recovery story.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
