SK Hynix (USOTC:HXSCL) reached a significant milestone on Monday as its market value overtook that of Samsung Electronics (USOTC:SSNHZ), making the memory chip manufacturer the most valuable publicly traded company in South Korea.
Shares of SK Hynix climbed 3.7% to 2.8 million won, lifting its market capitalisation to 2,082 trillion won, equivalent to roughly $1.3 trillion. By comparison, Samsung Electronics declined 1.4%, leaving its market value at 2,081 trillion won, excluding preferred shares.
AI Boom Drives Exceptional Growth
The company has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technologies.
SK Hynix, together with Samsung and Micron, is among the small group of global manufacturers capable of producing high-bandwidth memory chips, a critical component used in advanced AI processors.
Demand for these specialised memory products has accelerated sharply as technology companies invest heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure and computing power.
Strong Relationship with Nvidia Supports Momentum
A key factor behind SK Hynix’s success has been its position as a major supplier to Nvidia, one of the leading players in the AI industry.
The company recently disclosed that it had delivered samples of its next-generation HBM4 memory products to several of its largest customers, reinforcing expectations of continued demand growth.
Its leadership in advanced memory technologies has helped strengthen its competitive position in a rapidly evolving semiconductor market.
Shares Continue Remarkable Rally
SK Hynix stock has gained more than 340% since the start of the year, building on an already strong performance in 2025.
The surge reflects growing investor confidence in the company’s ability to capitalise on the long-term expansion of artificial intelligence and data-centre infrastructure.
Dramatic Turnaround Story
The company’s rise to the top of South Korea’s stock market represents a remarkable transformation.
Just two decades ago, SK Hynix faced severe financial difficulties and was exploring potential acquisition opportunities as it struggled to remain viable.
Today, the company stands at the centre of one of the fastest-growing segments of the global technology industry, underscoring the scale of its turnaround and the impact of the AI-driven semiconductor boom.