Korean Stock Market News Summary

📉 Domestic ETF Market Cap Loses 80 Trillion Won in One Month

The total market capitalization of Korea-listed ETFs has evaporated by approximately 80 trillion won over the past month, driven primarily by a sharp decline in semiconductor stocks that had previously led market gains. Despite the overall downturn, US equity-type and bond-hybrid ETFs held up relatively well. Notably, the RISE Samsung Electronics·SK Hynix Bond Mixed 50 ETF improved its market cap ranking from 23rd (4.33 trillion won) to 20th (4.12 trillion won) during the same period.

💼 Even Ultra-High-Net-Worth Investors Waver on Korean Market

Wealthy investors who had been holding firm are beginning to reconsider their positions in the Korean stock market. One investor, referred to as “Mr. B,” who had sold approximately 1 billion won worth of shares when Samsung Electronics was at 350,000 won, reinvested the entire proceeds into domestic blue-chip stocks on the 14th, including repurchasing hundreds of millions of won worth of Samsung Electronics. A senior PB (Private Banker) at Korea Investment & Securities noted that market volatility in July is influencing even the most resilient high-net-worth clients.

🎙️ Chey Tae-won Advises: “Just Hold SK Hynix Stock”

At the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Summer Forum held in Jeju, KCCI Chairman and SK Group head Chey Tae-won was asked about SK Hynix’s stock performance during an AI panel discussion. His advice was straightforward: “Don’t trade it — just hold it.” He explained that memory demand will continue to grow, attributing recent price surges to this underlying trend. On Korea’s AI industry strategy, he recommended “building infrastructure, developing applications, and carving out niche markets.”

🚗 Hyundai Motor Union Announces Additional Strikes — 8 Hours/Day Partial Walkout

The Hyundai Motor labor union has announced further strike action, threatening an 8-hour partial strike per day. Hyundai Motor’s latest offer included:

  • Base salary increase of 89,000 won
  • Performance bonus of 350% + 10 million won
  • 15 shares of company stock

The union rejected the offer, with the key sticking point being additional demands, including raising bonuses from 750% to 800%.

🔧 Hyundai Motor Union to Strike 4 Hours Daily from August 20–22

In a related development, the Hyundai Motor union has confirmed 4-hour daily strikes from August 20 to 22. The union’s demands include:

  • Base salary increase of 149,600 won (vs. company’s offer of 89,000 won)
  • Performance pay equivalent to 30% of the prior year’s net profit
  • Bonus increase from 750% to 800%

The labor dispute remains unresolved as both sides remain far apart on key wage and bonus terms.

Sources: Korean financial and business news outlets | Summary prepared for informational purposes.