Everyone was watching Jensen Huang in Taiwan, but South Korea was where the AI trade was heating up (www.businessinsider.com)

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang drew significant attention during a trade event in Taiwan, but it was South Korea that witnessed a remarkable surge in tech stocks, fueled by investor optimism regarding the country's role in the expanding AI ecosystem. Shares of LG Electronics soared 30% for a second consecutive day, while Samsung Electronics jumped 10%, contributing to remarkable year-to-date gains of over 300% and 190%, respectively. This rally occurred as the benchmark Kospi index rose more than 4%, reflecting a broader trend in which South Korean companies are seen as poised to benefit from the booming demand for semiconductors driven by AI advancements. The excitement surrounding the AI sector is intensified by Huang’s upcoming visit to South Korea, where he is set to meet with major tech executives, further solidifying the country’s strategic position in the AI supply chain. In May, South Korea experienced a 170% increase in semiconductor exports, marking the highest growth in over four decades, underscoring the critical role of memory chips in the AI revolution. Analysts predict that the current stock rally has further potential, driven by strong demand and a supply shortfall in semiconductors, suggesting a sustainable growth cycle for key players such as Samsung and LG in the burgeoning AI market.