A day after the KOSPI logged a record fall (about 9.99%) and triggered a circuit breaker on the 23rd, it rebounded sharply on the 24th led by Samsung, Chosun Ilbo reported. Samsung surged nearly 10% at one point to reclaim the top market cap.

What drove the rebound

The prior plunge combined U.S. tech weakness, AI-profitability worries and a missed MSCI Developed-index inclusion. Profit-taking hit big chip names—SK Hynix and Samsung fell about 12%—and a Level-1 circuit breaker tripped at 2:33 p.m.

But bargain-buying the next day sparked a fast rebound in the hardest-hit names, with Samsung leading the index back. Markets split between a 'technical bounce from oversold selling' and 'a sign of trend recovery.'

What it means for Chinese investors

In a whipsaw phase, short-term trading is risky; when FX and stocks swing together, Chinese households' asset values and remittance costs move too. Experts warn against firm forecasts, stressing diversification and a long view.

Chips are central to Korea's economy and exports; their volatility ripples into jobs, FX and prices—ultimately living costs—warranting calm observation.

A third perspective

U.S. media frame the drop as 'a healthy AI correction'; some local views read 'structural fragility in rules and flows.' This paper leans on neither, laying facts and figures side by side; investment decisions rest with the individual.