An AI-fueled surge in global demand for semiconductors has lifted South Korea’s two largest chip makers, SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, into a period of record shipments. The rally propelled the benchmark Kospi index up more than 150% in the past twelve months, outpacing every other major equity market worldwide. The surge also nudged related suppliers and equipment makers upward, widening the sector’s rally.

Yet the won has slipped to the bottom of Asian currencies, trading well below the yen and yuan despite the equity boom. Investors watching the market note that a soaring stock index does not automatically strengthen the local currency, especially when export‑driven global earnings are priced in foreign dollars and the central bank keeps rates low significantly.

The disconnect pressures companies that rely on a cheap won to stay competitive abroad while shareholders demand higher returns from soaring share prices. It also forces the Bank of Korea to balance inflation concerns against a currency that offers little hedge for investors. In short, strong equities coexist with a weak won, creating a split‑bottom line for Korean firms.