On Monday SK Hynix briefly surpassed Samsung Electronics after its shares jumped 5.7% and its market value reached KRW 2,082.5 trillion (about $1.35 trillion); Samsung rose 0.4% to KRW 2,081.3 trillion. Samsung had held the top spot since 2000. The move reflects a surge in memory-chip demand from US tech giants building AI data centers, tighter supply and rising prices; both Korean chipmakers reported record profits. Year-to-date SK Hynix has gained more than 340%, versus roughly 200% for Samsun

On Monday SK Hynix briefly surpassed Samsung Electronics after its shares jumped 5.7% and its market value reached KRW 2,082.5 trillion (about $1.35 trillion); Samsung rose 0.4% to KRW 2,081.3 trillion. Samsung had held the top spot since 2000. The move reflects a surge in memory-chip demand from US tech giants building AI data centers, tighter supply and rising prices; both Korean chipmakers reported record profits. Year-to-date SK Hynix has gained more than 340%, versus roughly 200% for Samsung.