Korean Investors Ditch Bitcoin for AI Chips as Stock Market Soars

South Korean investors have dramatically shifted from cryptocurrency to the stock market, particularly in AI and semiconductor stocks. Trading volumes on crypto exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb have plummeted nearly 80% year-over-year, while the KOSPI index has soared by over 70% in 2025. This growth is driven by tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, making semiconductor stocks the new focal point of retail trading. The dynamics have transformed as retail investors, once heavily involved in crypto speculation, have redirected their attention to equities amid government support for domestic markets and policies aimed at boosting investor confidence. The surge in trading accounts from 86.57 million to 95.33 million reflects a broader trend of shifting speculative interests, with margin lending and leveraged ETFs gaining popularity. Despite the retreat from crypto, analysts predict that when the AI stock craze cools, the crypto market may see a resurgence in retail investor engagement.

Source 🔗