Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

SK Hynix launches record 40 trillion-won buyback in Korea

8/20/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

SK Hynix announced a 40 trillion-won treasury-share buyback and cancellation, the largest ever in South Korea.
It will buy 24.07 million common shares, 3.3% of outstanding, from Aug 20 to Nov 19.
Shares rose up to 13% on the Korea Exchange after the announcement, lifting the Kospi index.
Analyst Jay Kwon estimated the program could generate at least 180 trillion won in returns through 2027, about 16% of value.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 Samsung Electronics, then the world’s top memory-chip producer, unveiled a 5-trillion-won share buyback—the largest in South Korea—lifting its KRX price 8% and prompting FSC approval for repurchasing 1.2% of its float. SK Hynix’s 2024 40-trillion-won program, targeting 3.3% of shares and aiming for 180-trillion-won returns by 2027, continues the trend of massive repurchases shaping KOSPI performance and urging regulatory review.

1 of 2

Story summary

SK Hynix announced a 40 trillion-won treasury-share buyback and cancellation, the largest ever in South Korea.
It will buy 24.07 million common shares, 3.3% of outstanding, from Aug 20 to Nov 19.
Shares rose up to 13% on the Korea Exchange after the announcement, lifting the Kospi index.
Analyst Jay Kwon estimated the program could generate at least 180 trillion won in returns through 2027, about 16% of value.

1 / 2