About this episode
This episode discusses the stock market rally in South Korea driven by AI and semiconductor companies.
AI is fuelling the biggest stock market rally in the world. South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index has nearly doubled in value this year – a rally driven largely by semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have benefited from soaring global demand for AI memory chips. The surge has also attracted waves of retail investors. Advocates say the boom reflects South Korea's central role in the global AI supply chain while critics warn the heavy reliance on a handful of chip stocks could leave investors exposed if the AI sector loses momentum. In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and Herald van der Linde from HSBC Global Investment Research about what's behind South Korea's extraordinary stock market rally, how it compares with regional neighbours and whether investors risk getting burnt if the AI bubble bursts. Other separate entities within the broader HSBC organisation may hold positions in some of the companies discussed on this podcast. This episode was recorded May 28th, 2026. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic…
People in this episode
Host: Mariko Oi
Guests: Jake Kwon, Herald van der Linde
Topics covered
- stock market
- AI
- semiconductors
- investment
- South Korea
- retail investors
Keywords
- KOSPI
- AI memory chips
- stock boom
- retail investors
- semiconductor giants
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, HSBC Global Investment Research
Places: South Korea
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