Core Insights - The KOSPI index has reached new historical highs driven by the AI chip sector and corporate governance reforms, with a year-to-date increase of 72% [1][2] Group 1: Market Performance - The KOSPI index has set 16 intraday records in October alone, with a monthly increase of nearly 21%, surpassing the 4000-point mark [1] - The index's year-to-date performance significantly outpaces Japan's Nikkei 225, which has risen by 26% [2] - Despite foreign investors selling 1.37 trillion KRW worth of Korean stocks last week, local investors' buying activity has sustained the KOSPI's upward momentum [2][6] Group 2: AI Chip Sector - The resurgence of the semiconductor industry, particularly driven by AI, is the core factor behind the current market rally [3] - SK Hynix reported record quarterly revenue and profit, benefiting from strong demand for high-bandwidth memory used in generative AI chips, with its stock price increasing over twofold this year [3] - Samsung Electronics also reported a significant increase in operating profit, with its stock price rising by over 96% this year [3][4] Group 3: Corporate Governance Reforms - Structural reforms aimed at eliminating the "Korean discount" are progressing, enhancing the investment appeal of Korean stocks [2][5] - The "Corporate Value Enhancement Plan" set to launch in 2024 is expected to encourage companies to improve shareholder returns and governance, similar to Japan's corporate governance reforms [5] - Analysts believe that these governance reforms will support the market's upward trend if regulatory bodies continue to push for value-enhancing measures [5] Group 4: Valuation and Investor Sentiment - Despite significant gains, analysts assert that the valuation of the Korean stock market remains attractive, with a KOSPI P/E ratio of 17.65, lower than the Nikkei 225's 25.86 [2][7] - Local investors have taken over from foreign investors, contributing to market stability and reducing reliance on foreign capital [6] - The valuation of leading semiconductor firms like Samsung and SK Hynix is still considered low compared to global peers, indicating potential for further growth [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly optimistic about the South Korean stock market due to the new president's "shareholder-friendly" policies, which are expected to enhance returns significantly [1][4]. Group 1: Market Sentiment and Foreign Investment - Major global asset management firms, including Aberdeen Investments, Pictet Wealth Management, and Franklin Templeton, have recently increased their holdings in South Korean stocks or upgraded their outlook for the Korean market [1]. - On the first day of Lee Jae-myung's presidency, foreign capital returned to the South Korean stock market, pushing the KOSPI index into a bull market, indicating investor confidence in the new administration's ability to enhance shareholder returns [4]. Group 2: Corporate Governance Reforms - Lee Jae-myung's administration aims to strengthen corporate governance and improve market returns, with a focus on amending commercial laws to enhance the responsibilities of boards towards shareholders [4][6]. - The proposed reforms include improving the nomination process for audit committee members and implementing electronic voting systems, targeting the chaebols and their founding families who have significant influence over the economy and corporate management [6]. Group 3: Shareholder Activism and Corporate Value Enhancement - There has been a sevenfold increase in shareholder activism targeting South Korean companies from 2020 to 2024, reflecting growing investor dissatisfaction with the disconnect between corporate profits and returns to minority shareholders [6]. - The government is expected to deepen the "Corporate Value-up" initiative, which encourages companies to adopt measures to enhance shareholder returns, similar to Japan's "pointing out" mechanism [6]. Group 4: Positive Market Indicators - The total dividend payout of companies in the KOSPI index is projected to increase by 12% year-on-year in 2024, reaching 44 trillion KRW (approximately 32.4 billion USD), while stock buybacks are expected to double to 18.7 trillion KRW [6].

Core Viewpoint - Investors are betting on the new shareholder-friendly policies of South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung to drive the Korean stock market upward after years of underperformance [1][2] Group 1: Market Sentiment and Investment Actions - Global asset management firms like Aberdeen Investments, Pictet Wealth Management, and Franklin Templeton have recently increased their holdings in Korean stocks or upgraded their outlooks [1] - Aberdeen Investments has raised its allocation to Korean stocks to overweight in its $1.2 billion Asia ex-Japan fund [1] - Since President Lee's inauguration, the KOSPI index has risen over 4%, rebounding more than 20% from its April low, approaching a bull market [2] Group 2: Legislative Reforms and Corporate Governance - Legislative reforms are aimed at addressing the "Korean discount," a phenomenon where local stocks are priced below their book value and lower than overseas competitors [4] - The new administration is expected to enhance shareholder rights by revising commercial laws to expand board responsibilities to shareholders [4][5] - There has been a sevenfold increase in activist campaigns targeting companies from 2020 to 2024, indicating growing shareholder impatience [4] Group 3: Corporate Actions and Future Outlook - A total of 160 companies have announced value enhancement plans, although many lack details [6] - KOSPI component companies are projected to increase total dividend payments by 12% in 2024, reaching 44 trillion won ($32.4 billion) [6] - Stock buybacks are expected to more than double in 2024, reaching 18.7 trillion won [6] - Despite challenges, including potential U.S. tariff increases and economic contraction, there is optimism about a cultural shift in corporate governance in South Korea [6]