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Bank of Korea Flags AI-Chip Bonuses Driving Inflation

6/21/2026

Summary

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The Bank of Korea warned that record AI-chip bonuses could lift inflation.
It projected full-year inflation at 2.7%, above its 2% target.
SK Hynix pledged 10% of an expected 250 trillion-won profit to a 25 trillion-won pool for 35,000 workers.
Samsung Electronics set aside 10.5% of semiconductor profit so staff can earn up to 650 million won.
The bank said the bonuses could spread wage growth to other sectors, boosting supply- and demand-side inflation.

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Story summary

The Bank of Korea warned that record AI-chip bonuses could lift inflation.
It projected full-year inflation at 2.7%, above its 2% target.
SK Hynix pledged 10% of an expected 250 trillion-won profit to a 25 trillion-won pool for 35,000 workers.
Samsung Electronics set aside 10.5% of semiconductor profit so staff can earn up to 650 million won.
The bank said the bonuses could spread wage growth to other sectors, boosting supply- and demand-side inflation.