Thanks to mid-six-figure bonuses, engineers at Samsung and SK Hynix have become the most sought-after bachelors in South Korea, earning nicknames like 'Hynix God.' John Baek, a 32-year-old memory-chip engineer at Samsung Electronics, is one such individual who finds himself in high demand but cautious about revealing his workplace on first dates.

SEOUL — Baek is open to a serious relationship but faces a unique dilemma: his substantial bonuses, worth many years of paychecks for the average Korean worker, create an awkward dynamic when meeting potential partners. The global AI boom has significantly boosted profits for South Korean tech giants, making their engineers extremely attractive in the dating market.

These chip engineers are not just popular for their technical expertise; their financial success has elevated their status in Korean society, where marriage prospects often consider economic stability. The phenomenon reflects how the semiconductor industry's rapid growth has created a new class of desirable professionals in South Korea's competitive dating landscape.