Unprecedented shareholder‑return plans by South Korea’s two chipmaking giants are emerging as a key swing factor for the won, potentially extending its recent rally if the firms tap local‑currency markets to fund the payouts. The won strengthened further on Friday, rising as much as 1 % to 1,380.35 per dollar, after news that Samsung Electronics Co. plans to give back up to 110 trillion won ($79 billion) to shareholders.

SK Hynix Inc. earlier announced its intention to buy back 40 trillion won worth of its stock, returning more profits to investors. Both moves highlight a growing trend in the semiconductor sector to reward shareholders while also supporting regional currencies.

The cash‑payout plans may put additional pressure on the won, as firms could tap domestic markets to raise the funds. If the won continues to rally, it could benefit exporters and domestic companies that rely on a weak currency.

Investors will watch how the two companies structure their buybacks and whether they use local currency markets, as this could shape the won’s trajectory over the coming months.