Kwak Dong-sin, chairman of Hankook Semiconductor, has completed an 8 billion won stock buyback using personal funds. This move is seen as a demonstration of responsible management and confidence in the company's growth potential in the HBM equipment market and advanced packaging sector.
On June 16, industry sources reported that Hankook Semiconductor disclosed Kwak's acquisition of 8 billion won worth of company shares. The purchase price was set at 338,917 won per share, following a buyback plan announced on May 19.
Since 2023, Kwak has acquired a total of 645 billion won worth of Hankook Semiconductor shares, totaling 716,055 shares. His ownership stake in the company has now increased to 33.59%.
Market analysts interpret the repeated stock buybacks by the major shareholder as a sign of long-term confidence in the demand for HBM equipment and the expansion of next-generation packaging investments, rather than a short-term boost to stock prices.
Hankook Semiconductor focuses on TC bonder equipment necessary for HBM production. The company continues to lead the market by supplying TC bonders for HBM4 mass production and is preparing to launch a prototype of its second-generation hybrid bonder equipment by the end of this year. The goal is to release a next-generation wide TC bonder in the first half of next year.
The company is also expanding its business into artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors and aerospace. On June 12, Hankook Semiconductor announced a strategic investment of 50 billion won in SpaceX, aimed at supporting Elon Musk's massive semiconductor manufacturing facility, the Terafab project, and addressing the growing demand for AI semiconductors.
Hankook Semiconductor is also preparing to enter the U.S. market. By the end of 2026, the company plans to establish Hankook USA in San Jose, California, to enhance technical support for local semiconductor clients.
A representative from Hankook Semiconductor stated, "Chairman Kwak's additional stock buyback reflects our commitment to responsible management and confidence in the company's growth aligned with our Terafab supply goals. We aim to strengthen our global leadership in the AI semiconductor and advanced packaging markets."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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