"18 Years Investing in Samsung Electronics" and "Should I Bet Everything Now?"...Investor Sentiment Surges

KOSPI Surpasses 4,400 for the First Time Ever
Individual Investors Flood Online Communities with Return Certifications

On January 5, the KOSPI index surpassed the 4,400 mark for the first time in history, while the share prices of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix climbed to the 130,000 won and 700,000 won ranges, respectively. As a result, an increasing number of individual investors are posting proof of their investment returns. Numerous posts claim that holding these stocks for a long period has yielded valuation gains in the hundreds of millions of won, and investor sentiment is heating up rapidly as many try to ride the upward momentum in stock prices.

Samsung Electronics, Hynix 18-Year Investor Account Return Certification Post. Online Community

"Held Only Semiconductors for 18 Years"...Retiree’s Account Draws Attention

On January 5, an online community featured a post titled "Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix 18-Year Investor Account Return Certification." The author, who identified himself as a retiree, stated, "For 18 years since 2007, I have invested solely in semiconductors from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix." He added, "I never studied stocks, so I don't know the technical terms, but I avoided leveraged investments that are close to speculation and never touched cryptocurrencies."

He continued, "I believed I should invest long-term and only with surplus funds, within my means. There were tough times, such as the financial crisis, but I always believed good times would come." He further explained, "Whenever my target was reached, I took profits by selling 10% at a time, but I have never sold at a loss."

Surplus Funds, Blue-Chip Stocks, Long-Term Holding...Simple but Consistent Strategy

He summarized his investment approach as ▲using surplus funds ▲investing in blue-chip stocks ▲holding long-term ▲waiting for target returns. He added, "During bull markets, I checked the order book once a day, and during bear markets, I didn't look at it at all. I don't necessarily think my method is the right one, but it might be a way for ordinary retail investors to make money."

The KOSPI index reached an all-time high of 4420.92 during the session, as shown on the status board in the dealing room at the Hana Bank headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 5th.

According to the account he shared, the return on SK Hynix was 259.06%, and Samsung Electronics was 185.95%, resulting in a total valuation gain of 397 million won. The total purchase amount was in the 150 million won range.

Besides this individual, many others are posting their investment returns. Stock investment communities are flooded with posts such as "Made a 30% profit through short-term trading," "170% profit, but still holding," "Earned hundreds of millions, but unsure when to sell," and "My money keeps multiplying. If you’re not investing in stocks now, you’re missing out."

Previously, when Samsung Electronics exceeded the 100,000 won mark, broadcaster Kim Gura also shared his returns. At the time, on his YouTube channel 'Greegura,' he mentioned that he sets his stock trading app to sort holdings by return in ascending order, saying, "Samsung Electronics is right at the bottom. About a 100% return."

Broadcaster Kim Gura revealed that he made approximately 100% profit from Samsung Electronics stocks. Screenshot from the YouTube channel 'Greegura'

Flood of Return Certifications...FOMO Spreads

As the KOSPI index continues to hit record highs, other investors are becoming increasingly bold. Posts such as "I'm breaking my Samsung Electronics installment savings to buy more," "I'm thinking of putting all my assets into Samsung Electronics," and "I invested my 400 million won jeonse deposit" are now easy to find. This is interpreted as a typical manifestation of 'FOMO' (Fear of Missing Out), as anxiety spreads among investors who don’t want to be left behind during the stock market rally.

Experts believe that the trend of excess demand for memory semiconductors is likely to continue this year, and expectations for improved earnings from large semiconductor stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix remain valid. There is growing confidence that increased investment in AI servers and data centers will support memory demand.

Brokerages are also expressing optimism, setting target prices for Samsung Electronics at 200,000 won and SK Hynix at 950,000 won. However, as the pace of the stock price increase is steep, calls for caution are also emerging. Variables include the uncertainty of the global interest rate environment, the potential for overheating in AI investments, and valuation pressures from the recent rapid price surge.