Korean Investors Ditch Bitcoin for AI Chips as Stock Market Soars

As South Korea's crypto trading volumes plummet by as much as 80%, retail investors are turning their attention to the stock market, with a significant focus on AI chip companies like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. The KOSPI index has surged over 70% in 2025, fueled by the soaring demand for AI technologies. This shift marks a transition from the once-booming crypto speculation scene to a new frenzy surrounding semiconductor stocks. The average daily trading volume on major exchanges like Upbit has dropped to just $1.8 billion, down from approximately $9 billion, indicating a significant change in the landscape of retail trading in the country. Active trading accounts have jumped from 86.57 million at the start of the year to 95.33 million by October. Unlike previous altcoin rallies, this new momentum is backed by tangible growth opportunities in AI and a government encouraging domestic investment. Analysts suspect that while the focus may have shifted temporarily, the speculative nature of Korean investors will likely lead them back to crypto in the future.

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