KOSPI slips on inflation and yield worries as won strengthens; Samsung bets $1b on AI infrastructure
Korean equities slipped for a second day as US bond yields and oil prices weighed on sentiment, while the won firmed on dollar selling. Samsung led a $1 billion group investment in a KKR-founded AI infrastructure company, and SK hynix moved to cover up to half of partner firms' R&D costs upfront.
Markets & chips
Korean markets & the won
Seoul shares came under pressure from external factors — US bond yields, oil prices and inflation concerns — while the currency moved the other way on dollar selling. The Bank of Korea separately reported a September drop in business sentiment tied to rising costs.
The won gained ground as dollar selling picked up in Seoul trading.
Korean shares declined for a second straight session amid inflation concerns.
Rising US bond yields and oil prices pressured investor sentiment on the main KOSPI index.
The Korea Exchange plans to introduce two-tier segmentation for the KOSDAQ market starting next year.
The Bank of Korea reported that business sentiment declined in September as costs rose.
Samsung Electronics
Samsung's chip and affiliate units made two separate moves — a group-level AI infrastructure bet and a foundry customer-growth target.
Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T, Samsung SDS, Samsung SDI, Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance said they are investing a combined USD 1 billion in Helix Digital Infrastructure, an AI infrastructure company established by global investment firm KKR and launched in June 2026.
Samsung expects the number of its foundry customers to quadruple by 2029.
SK hynix
SK hynix made a partner-support move on R&D funding, while a US listing by affiliate Solidigm raised questions about the Korean chipmaker's valuation.
SK hynix will cover up to half of its partner companies' R&D costs upfront.
Solidigm's US IPO has raised concerns about SK hynix's valuation.
Korean chipmakers
Daewoo E&C secured an 868.6 billion-won project tied to the Yongin semiconductor cluster.
Business of culture
K-pop agencies
Jungkook's track 'Seven' placed eighth on Spotify's list of the most-streamed songs of the 2020s.