Korean Stock Market News Summary
1. Chey Tae-won Ordered to Pay ₩944 Billion in Divorce Settlement
The Supreme Court has finalized a landmark divorce ruling between SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and his ex-wife Noh So-young, ordering Chey to pay approximately ₩944 billion (≈$680M) in asset division. The court set the asset split ratio at 2/3 for Chey and 1/3 for Noh, recognizing Noh’s contribution to the formation of SK’s shareholding base. For context, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong settled a similar divorce case through mediation, with the undisclosed amount believed to be around ₩100 billion.
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Specs Revealed; Samsung Expands into AI & Health Wearables
Samsung Electronics officially unveiled the specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and announced expansion into AI-powered smart devices and health-focused wearables. New features include biometric monitoring and personalized health guidance. Separately, authorities are investigating so-called “dark trading” practices — illicit stock ownership transfers around dividend payment dates designed to unlawfully avoid or reclaim taxes.
3. Key Remaining Issues in Chey-Noh Divorce Case
Following the ₩944 billion asset division ruling, the Wall Street Journal noted that the verdict could impact Chairman Chey’s control over SK Group, particularly given the surge in value of SK Hynix shares amid the global AI semiconductor boom. Both parties reportedly retain grounds for a final appeal, and the asset valuation methodology remains a key point of contention.
4. Editorial: SK Asset Division Ruling & Call for Social Responsibility
The court’s ruling on the SK asset division case is being treated as a near-final resolution. Editorials are calling for a broader discussion on the recovery of former President Roh Tae-woo’s slush funds, which are linked to the disputed assets. Commentators also urge Chairman Chey — elevated to global prominence through SK Hynix’s rise — to fulfill greater corporate social responsibility commensurate with his stature.
5. KOSPI Plunges Over 5% on Surge in Global Oil Prices
The KOSPI index fell more than 5% in a single session, shedding over 6,000 points in market cap, driven by a sharp spike in international oil prices. Major large-cap stocks recorded steep declines:
- SK Square: -9.17%
- Samsung Electro-Mechanics: -8.43%
- Hyundai Motor: -7.18%
Most top-weighted index constituents closed deep in the red.
6. New Robot ETF Launched with Samsung & Hyundai as Top Holdings
A new Robot-themed ETF has been launched, with Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor as its largest holdings at 25% each. Additional allocations include Samsung’s robotics subsidiary Rainbow Robotics and Hyundai’s parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis. The ETF reflects growing investor interest as both Samsung and Hyundai accelerate their push into the robotics sector.
Sources: Korean financial media | Summary prepared for informational purposes only.