In early 2025, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix reached a combined market capitalization of $1.11 trillion, highlighting South Korea's critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain. This surge reflects a strategic shift in tech investments towards chip infrastructure, driven by the AI boom. Analysts note that leading tech firms increasingly rely on South Korean suppliers, which have transformed memory chips from disposable components to strategic assets. Projections indicate a continued semiconductor supercycle through 2027, with the sector expected to contribute significantly to South Korean stock growth, underscoring its geopolitical importance in the AI race.