1. Semiconductors

Sentiment towards South Korean chipmakers soured this week after Howard Lutnick, the US Secretary of Commerce, turned up the pressure on Samsung and SK Hynix. Speaking on CNBC on 2nd September, Lutnick warned that companies not manufacturing semiconductors on American soil would "pay a price for access to the world's largest market" — a pointed signal that targeted tariffs and demands for greater US investment are firmly on the table. The share prices of both companies came under pressure as a result. Some relief came from the fundamentals: KB Securities on 4th September reiterated a target price of 600,000 won for Samsung, arguing the company has room to pay out 70 trillion won in dividends and buy back and cancel a further 40 trillion won in shares within the year. Continued buyback programmes at both firms helped put a floor under their valuations.

2. Electronic Components

Samsung Electro-Mechanics disclosed on 1st September a long-term supply agreement worth 1.0722 trillion won to provide MLCCs (multilayer ceramic capacitors) for AI servers to a major global client. The contract, equivalent to 9.5% of the company's recent revenues, covers deliveries over a one-year period beginning in 2027 and spans high-value, ultra-compact, high-capacity product lines — strengthening the company's pricing power, analysts said. DB Securities raised its target price for Samsung Electro-Mechanics from 1.5 million to 2 million won, citing rising selling prices for both MLCCs and FC-BGA substrates.

3. Internet

The battle for user loyalty between Naver and Kakao — South Korea's two dominant internet platforms — is intensifying. According to reports on 4th September, Naver is doubling down on its subscription membership model, offering bundled perks such as Netflix access to keep users within its ecosystem. Kakao is hitting back by partnering with OpenAI to integrate the latest version of ChatGPT directly into KakaoTalk, its ubiquitous messaging application.

4. Renewable Energy

SK On, the battery arm of SK Group, announced on 31st August that it had signed a large-scale, long-term supply agreement with a North American renewable-energy company to provide LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries for energy storage systems (ESS). The deal is SK On's second overseas ESS contract, following a 1GWh agreement with Flatiron in September last year, and is seen as part of a broader effort to revive the company's ESS business.

5. Shipbuilding

South Korea's three leading shipbuilders — known collectively as the "Big Three" — delivered a string of new contract wins. Hanwha Ocean announced on 31st August that it had secured an order from an Oceanian shipowner for three very large gas carriers (VLGCs) worth 477.8 billion won, followed by a further order for six container ships worth 1.5527 trillion won. Samsung Heavy Industries also disclosed a new shipbuilding contract on 28th August.

6. Defence

Hanwha Aerospace continued its run of successes in the European defence market. On 31st August the company signed an export execution contract with Spain's Indra Sistemas for its K9 self-propelled howitzer — marking its first entry into Western Europe. Separately, reports on 4th September indicated that a contract worth 435.2 million euros to supply Croatia with the Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket system is imminent. Should the deal be confirmed, Croatia would become the fourth European country to adopt the Chunmoo, joining Poland, Estonia, and Norway.

7. K-Pop

Members of Blackpink continued their solo careers in tandem with the group's tenth anniversary. Lisa released "SaWaDiKa", a pre-release track from her mini-album *Press Play*, on 3rd September, while Jisoo followed on 4th September with "Click", a preview from her debut full-length album.

8. Retail

South Korean retailers launched promotional campaigns ahead of Chuseok, the autumn harvest festival equivalent to Thanksgiving. E-Mart is running its "Goraeit Festa" event from 3rd to 6th September, offering fresh produce and everyday essentials at roughly half price. Coupang, the e-commerce giant, has opened a "Beauty Fair" for its Wow membership subscribers, featuring 46 brands including Tony Moly and AHC.

9. Leisure

Casino-related stocks rallied in unison on 3rd September, with Paradise, GKL, Kangwon Land, Cotech, and Tovis all posting gains. The move reflected growing expectations of a recovery in inbound tourism and rising visitor numbers.

10. Capital Markets

The KOSPI (South Korea's main stock index) closed on 4th September at 6,687.21, up 107.73 points, or 1.64%, on the day, buoyed by simultaneous buying from both foreign and institutional investors. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ index rose 23.29 points, or 2.95%, to 813.50. Remarks from Federal Reserve officials eased fears of further US interest-rate increases, lifting medical equipment, IT services, and electronics stocks in particular.