Core Viewpoint - The Korean stock market, represented by the KOSPI index, has seen significant growth, with a nearly 21% increase in October alone, leading to a year-to-date rise of over 72%, driven by optimism in AI and semiconductor stocks, as well as expectations of corporate governance reforms [2][5][6]. Group 1: AI and Semiconductor Sector - The surge in the Korean stock market is largely attributed to the AI-driven optimism surrounding semiconductor stocks, particularly Samsung and SK Hynix, which together account for over 30% of the KOSPI index [6][7]. - The global shortage of memory chips has led to strong earnings expectations for major players like Samsung and SK Hynix, with both companies reporting record quarterly revenues and profits [6][7]. - SK Hynix's stock has more than doubled this year due to high demand for its high-bandwidth memory used in generative AI, while Samsung's stock has risen over 96% following a significant profit rebound [6][7]. Group 2: Corporate Governance Reforms - The Korean government's push for corporate governance reforms is seen as a key factor in enhancing the investment appeal of the Korean stock market, addressing the historical "Korean discount" in valuations [7][8]. - The "Corporate Value Enhancement Plan," set to launch in 2024, aims to encourage companies to improve shareholder returns and governance, similar to reforms seen in Japan [7][8]. - Analysts believe that if regulatory bodies continue to support these value-enhancing measures, the Korean stock market could sustain its growth trajectory [8]. Group 3: Domestic Investor Participation - Following initial enthusiasm from foreign investors, domestic investors have increasingly supported the market, with local institutions and retail investors actively buying into the market [8][9]. - Despite foreign investors net selling 1.37 trillion KRW in October, the KOSPI index maintained its upward momentum, indicating strong domestic support [8][9]. Group 4: Valuation Attractiveness - Despite the significant rise in the stock market, analysts argue that valuations remain attractive, particularly for domestic market-oriented stocks and leading semiconductor companies, which are still undervalued compared to global peers [10][11]. - For instance, Samsung's price-to-book ratio is 1.4, and SK Hynix's is 2.2, while the global semiconductor average is 3.0, suggesting potential for further appreciation [10][11]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Risks - While the factors driving the recent surge in the Korean stock market are expected to persist, analysts caution that geopolitical tensions, U.S. interest rate uncertainties, and domestic asset inflation could increase market volatility [11]. - The long-term growth narrative remains intact, supported by valuation improvements, AI growth prospects, and corporate governance reforms, which are expected to provide strong support for the market [11].

Core Viewpoint - Korean investors are increasingly turning to the Chinese stock market, driven by a combination of high returns and a desire to diversify their investment portfolios amid domestic economic challenges [6][12][22]. Group 1: Investment Trends - As of July 25, 2023, China has surpassed Japan and the EU to become the second-largest overseas stock market for Korean investors, based on trading volume [6]. - The cumulative trading volume of the Chinese stock market, including Hong Kong and A-shares, reached $57.64 billion, second only to the U.S. market [8]. - Korean investors show a preference for Hong Kong stocks over A-shares, focusing on technology and consumer sectors [9][12]. Group 2: Notable Stocks and Investment Behavior - The top ten net purchases by Korean investors as of July 25, 2025, were all Hong Kong stocks, with Xiaomi and BYD leading with net purchases exceeding $100 million [10][11]. - Korean investors have shown consistent interest in Chinese stocks since early 2025, with significant inflows into Chinese stock funds [15][16]. - The average return of Chinese stock funds in Korea was 43.56% over six months, significantly higher than domestic and U.S. stock funds [18]. Group 3: Economic Context and Investor Sentiment - The shift towards Chinese stocks is partly due to stagnant domestic economic conditions in Korea, including a struggling job market and rising real estate prices [26][27]. - A survey indicated that 31% of respondents view stocks as the most favorable investment method, surpassing real estate for the first time since 2006 [28]. - The average return of the Korean stock market was only 5% over the past decade, compared to 10% for China and 13% for the U.S., leading to a loss of confidence in domestic equities [30]. Group 4: Broader Investment Strategies - Korean investors are diversifying their portfolios to mitigate risks associated with the U.S. market, with a notable shift towards overseas investments [19][21]. - The total assets of overseas investment funds in Korea reached 134 trillion won, reflecting a growing trend towards international markets [21]. - The Korean government is also taking steps to enhance the attractiveness of the domestic stock market, aiming to reverse the "Korean discount" phenomenon [31].

Investment Rating - The report provides a positive outlook for the South Korean economy, with a GDP growth forecast of 2.0% for 2024, followed by a slowdown to 1.1% in 2025, which is still above market consensus [1][2] Core Insights - The South Korean economy is expected to experience a mild recovery in the second quarter of 2025, with a quarter-on-quarter growth of 0.7% and a year-on-year growth of 0.8%, driven by consumer spending and strong technology exports, particularly in semiconductors [1][3] - The construction investment sector remains weak, with a year-on-year decline of approximately 9%, but the government’s supply-side reform plans are anticipated to support recovery in the next 2-3 years [1][4][6] - Exports are projected to perform steadily in the first half of 2025, with semiconductor exports increasing by 11%, while non-tech product exports are declining [1][10][11] - Inflation in South Korea is expected to remain moderate at 1.9% for 2025-2026, with overall price pressures likely to stay below the central bank's target of 2% [1][13] Economic Growth Projections - The South Korean government has initiated fiscal stimulus measures to support domestic activity, with GDP growth expected to be 1.1% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026 [2] - The fiscal budget for 2026 is projected to reach 73 trillion KRW, equivalent to 35% of GDP, focusing on domestic welfare and labor market support [14][15] Consumer Spending and Investment - Private consumption is gradually recovering but has not fully bounced back from the low levels seen in the first quarter of 2025, with expectations for a more significant improvement in 2026 [5] - The construction sector continues to face challenges, with a 13% decline in construction investment in the first quarter of 2025, but the resolution of bad loans related to project financing may help stimulate activity [6][7] Export Performance - South Korea's export performance in the first half of 2025 is relatively robust, with a slight increase in actual export volume by 5-6% in the second quarter [9] - The European market shows strong demand for South Korean electric vehicles, with a growth rate exceeding 12% in the second quarter [12] Inflation and Monetary Policy - The inflation rate is expected to remain sticky due to service sector inflation and rising prices of processed foods, despite a slowdown in import prices [13] - The Bank of Korea is anticipated to lower interest rates in August 2025, as housing price issues have been addressed [16] Capital Market Reforms - Recent reforms in the capital market aim to address the imbalance between physical and financial assets, with a focus on increasing dividend payouts and encouraging retail investor participation [18][19][21]