KOSPI rebounds over 3% as won extends gains on strong exports
Korean equities rebounded sharply, with KOSPI gaining more than 3% as worries over AI spending eased, while the won extended its rise against the dollar on strong exports. Corporate earnings and debt metrics improved in 2025, according to the Bank of Korea, and SK hynix set the date for its third-quarter earnings call.
Markets & chips
Korean markets & the won
Korean assets moved higher, with the main stock index posting a sharp rebound and the won strengthening against the dollar. Trading was volatile enough for the exchange operator to trigger a market-wide circuit mechanism.
Korean shares climbed more than 3% as concerns about AI-related spending eased.
The Korea Exchange triggered a buy-side sidecar for KOSPI during a sharp market rise.
The won continued to strengthen against the dollar, supported by strong exports.
The won reached a two-year high against the dollar, and the Bank of Korea governor signaled further gains.
The Bank of Korea reported that corporate profits and debt conditions improved in 2025.
Nomura and JPMorgan remained bullish on Korean chipmakers despite volatility in KOSPI.
Samsung Electronics
Samsung's newsroom output centered on marketing and design initiatives rather than financial disclosures.
Samsung is running its global Samsung Week 2026 promotion from October 12 to November 1 in 63 countries, the seventh edition of its largest annual customer event.
Samsung opened the exhibition on October 15 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza as part of Seoul Design Week 2026, which runs through October 25.
Samsung subsidiary HARMAN's professional audio brand JBL celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026.
SK hynix
SK hynix will release third-quarter 2026 earnings before 9:00 a.m. on October 28 and hold a conference call the same day.
Regulatory scrutiny of Solidigm's planned Nasdaq listing is drawing backlash from SK hynix shareholders.
Korean chipmakers
SK hynix published an installment of its AI ecosystem series arguing that the semiconductor paradigm is shifting toward memory.
Business of culture
JYP Entertainment
Jihyo is departing JYP Entertainment after 21 years to start her own agency.
Jihyo has left JYP Entertainment and launched her own agency, Emithaus.
K-pop agencies
K-pop's growth is being driven by Asian tour revenue and physical album sales.
The debate over a Grammy boycott has shifted to K-pop acts that submitted entries.
Olive Young has launched a K-pop live shopping show, with NMIXX as its first guest.
IVE staged a comeback performance at Seoul's Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Blackpink's Lisa appeared in a PlayStation-related collaboration with a K-pop theme.
Netflix in Korea
The Korean series held the top spot on Netflix's non-English TV chart for a second week.