Ideas
SK hynix AI memory demand is structural
SK hynix reported an earnings surprise and strongly rejected concerns that memory demand is only inventory pre-buying. Management argued AI-driven demand is structural, server customers are installing components immediately, and shortages are real. The company is selectively expanding capacity around HBM, AI-server DRAM, and ESS while consumer supply remains tight, and an expected ADR listing could be another catalyst.
Korean semiconductors to rise again structurally
Korean semiconductors are cyclical and may not command Nvidia-like multiples, but the current AI upcycle is lifting HBM, DRAM, and NAND simultaneously rather than only DRAM as in 2017. That makes the cycle less likely to break abruptly. The speaker expects semiconductors to rise again after any short-term rest, with capacity expansion and structural AI demand supporting a valuation level-up.
Nvidia diversification justifies premium valuation
Nvidia deserves a higher valuation than Korean memory makers because it is rapidly expanding into robotics, software, and other areas, creating a portfolio that can offset a potential GPU slowdown. This diversification supports the premium multiple and makes Nvidia more resilient than a pure cyclical semiconductor company.
KOSDAQ can reach 1,300
The KOSDAQ index has strong momentum and policy support, with individual investors buying even as volatility shakes them out. The speaker expects a move toward 1,200-1,300 points, roughly 30% upside from the 1,000 level, although the path may be choppy.
Korean Starlink drives space stocks
The Korean government is launching a Korean-style Starlink initiative and forming a consultative body, driven by the need for sovereign low-earth-orbit satellite communications for defense and physical AI. US space stocks are also strong on SpaceX IPO expectations, and the theme is gaining momentum.
AI power shortage drives optical communications
AI data-center power shortages are pushing the industry toward silicon photonics and optical communications, and Meta's contract with Corning is a major validation. The speaker expects more hyperscaler investment in optical cable and CPO, benefiting Korean optical component names such as Daehan Optical Telecom and Sungwoo Electronics.
Hyundai Kia re-rate on robotics
Tesla's decision to convert Model S/X lines to Optimus robot production validates the robot pivot and is positive for Hyundai Motor, whose valuation could be re-rated toward robotics using Boston Dynamics value. Hyundai and Kia can quickly adopt external OS and autonomous-driving technology, and Korea's fast execution could let Hyundai become a leader in new robot/autonomous products.
Avoid ShillaJen; credibility is broken
ShillaJen's credibility has been badly damaged and the stock is driven by volatile news flow. The speaker says investors should not pay much attention to it despite sharp moves.
Korean inbound tourism will improve
Korea has won a large 2027 aesthetic-medicine conference previously held in Japan for 13 years, which should improve Korean inbound tourism and signals better Korea-Japan relations. The speaker points to the Chinese tourist boom of 2015-2016, when inbound tourism lifted GDP growth despite economic concerns, and says the effect should appear this year and next.
SK Square benefits from SK hynix
SK Square is an SK hynix holding company that should rise alongside SK hynix, though with a holding-company discount. Even though an SK hynix ADR listing does not directly change SK Square, a higher SK hynix equity value from the ADR catalyst would positively affect SK Square.
Korea Zinc leverages surging silver price
Korea Zinc is a smelter where silver is a low-cost byproduct, and silver has risen from $30 to $110-$118, pushing silver to nearly 50% of revenue from 30%. This gives high leverage to silver prices and could significantly boost profit, although brokers remain cautious given silver's price outlook.
Korean nuclear stocks gain on earnings
US nuclear stocks surged and Korean nuclear stocks are strong, with SN Energy reporting an earnings surprise. BHI, which has a similar business to SN Energy, and SNT Energy are also showing strength. The speaker presents the Korean nuclear power complex as a live momentum theme.
Rare earth value chain shifting
Rare earths have moved beyond a simple theme: the US is reducing dependence on China, and Korean rare-earth magnet and component producers such as Novatech and Senotech are linking into US value chains. As earnings improve, these stocks can continue to rise.
This 3PRO TV (삼프로TV) video, published January 29, 2026,
features Jang Woo-jin
discussing 000660.KS, Korean semiconductor sector, NVDA, KOSDAQ, Korean space/satellite communications sector, 010170.KQ, 081580.KQ, Silicon photonics/CPO, 005380.KS, 000270.KS, 215600.KQ, Korean inbound tourism sector, 402340.KS, 010130.KS, SN Energy, BHI, SNT Energy, Korean nuclear power sector, NovaTech, Senotech, REMX.
13 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.
Speakers:
Jang Woo-jin
· Tickers:
000660.KS,
Korean semiconductor sector,
NVDA,
KOSDAQ,
Korean space/satellite communications sector,
010170.KQ,
081580.KQ,
Silicon photonics/CPO,
005380.KS,
000270.KS,
215600.KQ,
Korean inbound tourism sector,
402340.KS,
010130.KS,
SN Energy,
BHI,
SNT Energy,
Korean nuclear power sector,
NovaTech,
Senotech,
REMX
