Samsung Becomes First Korean Company to Hit 1,000 Trillion Won Market Cap — Memory Super Cycle Intensifies

With the memory industry's super cycle gaining momentum amid the AI boom, Samsung Electronics became the first Korean company to surpass the 1,000 trillion won market cap milestone (approximately $688 billion) on Wednesday.

 

According to Korea Exchange data, Samsung's market cap briefly reached about 1,002 trillion won intraday, with the share price climbing to 169,400 won (+1.13% from the previous close).

 

At close, Samsung shares settled at 169,100 won (+0.96%), with a market cap of approximately 1,001 trillion won.

 

Samsung's stock has been setting new highs since breaking 100,000 won on October 27 last year. Surging global investment in AI infrastructure has dramatically increased demand for memory chips, becoming the core driver of Samsung's rally.

 

After soaring 125% last year, Samsung shares have risen about 41% year-to-date in 2026. Industry observers expect the company to maintain solid earnings growth ahead.

 

Samsung is planning to expand its share in the high-end high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market, where it currently trails domestic rival SK Hynix.

 

Last week's earnings showed that intensified AI competition among tech giants exacerbated global memory chip shortages and drove sharp price increases. Samsung posted record operating profit and sales in Q4 last year, with operating profit up 208% YoY.

 

Samsung forecasts sustained strong demand for memory chips ahead. The company also stated that its next-generation HBM chip (HBM4) is expected to begin shipments this quarter.

 

Recent reports indicate Samsung and SK Hynix plan to significantly raise NAND flash prices in the first half of this year, with product margins potentially reaching 40–50% — the highest in nearly a decade.

 

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan predicted Tuesday that the memory chip shortage will persist for at least another two years, with relief not likely until 2028.

 

As global semiconductor executives grow increasingly concerned about memory supply shortages, analysts expect the seller's market dominated by Samsung and SK Hynix to continue.