SEOUL, January 4, 2026 – Samsung Electronics shares rose to an all-time high on Monday, climbing more than 6% in trading, after co-CEO Jun Young Hyun’s New Year’s message quoted customers saying “Samsung is back,” signaling renewed confidence in the company’s position in the artificial intelligence memory market.
The stock closed at a record level, contributing to a 1.9% gain in the KOSPI index. SK Hynix, Samsung’s main domestic rival in memory chips, advanced nearly 3% to its own peak, reflecting broader optimism in South Korea’s semiconductor sector amid rising Asian technology stocks.
Hyun’s remarks centered on advancements in next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4), crucial for AI servers. “Our HBM4 demonstrated its differentiated competitiveness,” he wrote in an internal memo. Samsung has historically trailed SK Hynix in supplying Nvidia, the dominant AI chip designer, but secured contracts with OpenAI late last year. Market reports suggest a Nvidia deal could be forthcoming.
Analysts expect robust fourth-quarter earnings, scheduled for release this week, supported by elevated memory prices and sustained AI demand. Firms including Yuanta Securities Korea and IBK Securities adjusted price targets upward in anticipation.
South Korea’s December semiconductor exports increased 43% year-over-year, highlighting the industry’s role in national growth. Samsung and SK Hynix together account for a significant portion of global DRAM and NAND production.
Investor sentiment has shifted positively as Samsung demonstrates progress in custom AI chips and foundry services. The company aims to leverage its comprehensive portfolio—from memory to processors and displays—to capture share in AI infrastructure.
Challenges remain, including component cost fluctuations and potential trade barriers. Nonetheless, the share price surge reflects market belief in Samsung’s ability to capitalize on AI expansion.
As global data center investments continue, Samsung’s positioning in high-performance memory will be closely watched. The record close underscores investor alignment with Hyun’s outlook for a stronger competitive stance.
