SK hynix's stock surged 5.02% in pre-market trading, marking a significant positive movement for the semiconductor manufacturer.

The rally follows confirmation from SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won that the company is actively scouting chip factory locations in the United States. This strategic move aims to boost supply capacity amid memory chip demand that far exceeds current supply, while also addressing persistent U.S. government pressure for Korean chipmakers to expand domestic production.

Furthermore, Chairman Chey projected that demand for AI semiconductors next year is expected to grow by 60% to 100% year-on-year, with overall memory chip demand also anticipated to increase by 50% to 60%. He noted that major manufacturers have almost no substantial capacity expansion plans for next year, which will inevitably widen the supply-demand gap to what he characterized as a "panic" level in the global scramble for memory supply. Market analysts also highlight that SK hynix's forward P/E ratio has fallen to a historically extreme low, with institutions viewing current levels as an attractive entry point.