SK Group is projected to surpass KRW 120 trillion in annual exports for the first time in its history this year, driven by strong semiconductor exports from SK hynix.
The group announced on November 25 that its export volume reached KRW 87.8 trillion as of the third quarter, up about 20 percent from KRW 73.7 trillion during the same period last year. If the current momentum continues into the fourth quarter, total exports are expected to exceed last year’s KRW 102.5 trillion and break into the 120-trillion range.
High-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other high-value semiconductor products from SK hynix are cited as the primary engines behind the surge. SK hynix was responsible for 54 percent (KRW 55.2 trillion) of the group’s exports last year, but that share has risen to 65 percent (KRW 56.7 trillion) already through the third quarter of this year.
The expansion of semiconductor exports has also fueled national export growth. According to the Korean government, South Korea’s total exports reached USD 185 billion in the third quarter, the highest figure since records began. High-value memory semiconductor exports such as HBM amounted to USD 46.6 billion, serving as the main driver of the growth.
These results are reflected in tax revenue and corporate valuation. SK hynix paid KRW 4.3 trillion in corporate taxes through the third quarter this year, more than 45 times the KRW 94 billion paid during the same period last year. The company’s stock price has continued to climb, pushing its market capitalization to KRW 379 trillion as of November 24, placing it second in the Korean stock market.
Analysts say SK’s performance reflects the strategic restructuring led by Chairman Chey Tae-won across business, financial, and governance structures. The group has streamlined inefficiencies and focused on growth sectors such as semiconductors, AI, and biotech, with the acquisition of SK hynix in 2012 marking a turning point.
An SK Group representative noted, “Under Chairman Chey’s leadership, the group is expanding investments in future industries such as AI, semiconductors, energy, and biotechnology while contributing to the national economy. We plan to invest KRW 128 trillion domestically by 2028 and hire more than 8,000 new employees annually.”
