Hansung Enterprise and Monami stocks surged 237.67% and 173.41% respectively from July 1 to 15, driven by a social media campaign to save domestic Korean companies from delisting as the Korea Exchange raised its 2026 market capitalization threshold to 30 billion KRW. Hansung Enterprise's market cap grew from 26.7 billion KRW to 90.1 billion KRW, while Monami's rose from 23.8 billion KRW to 65.1 billion KRW during the same period. Trading for Hansung Enterprise was halted on the 16th due to overheating. The surge followed online calls to support long-standing Korean brands facing delisting risk, with Hansung Enterprise known for hosting UN veteran concerts for over 20 years and Monami recognized as a domestic stationery maker. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) has experienced significant volatility, prompting investors to focus on theme stocks that move based on social or political issues rather than corporate fundamentals.
Hansung Enterprise and Monami Record Triple-Digit Gains in Two Weeks
According to the Korea Exchange, Hansung Enterprise stock rose 237.67% from July 1 to 15. The company's market capitalization increased from 26.7 billion KRW to 90.1 billion KRW. The stock rose for eight consecutive trading days starting from the 6th and hit the daily limit up three times. Trading was halted for one day on the 16th due to price overheating.
Monami stock rose 173.41% during the same period, with its market cap growing from 23.8 billion KRW to 65.1 billion KRW. The stock recorded gains exceeding 20% on four occasions over the past six trading days and hit the daily limit up twice.
As of July 1, Hansung Enterprise's market cap stood at 26.7 billion KRW and Monami's at 23.8 billion KRW, both below the 30 billion KRW threshold for KOSPI delisting set to take effect in July 2026. Hansung Enterprise is known for its crab stick product "Crabby" and has hosted concerts for UN war veterans for over 20 years. Monami, a domestic writing instrument manufacturer, previously saw stock and earnings increases during the 2019 Korea-Japan trade dispute when consumers favored domestic products.
Monami President Song Jae-hwa issued a handwritten thank-you letter stating, "I feel deep emotion and a heavy sense of responsibility seeing the recent wave of support. I am grateful for your trust and support even in difficult circumstances where delisting is possible, and we will repay you with better products and quality in the future."
Theme Stocks Enex, Vivien, and Monalisa Hit Daily Limit Up
Following Hansung Enterprise's trading halt due to investment overheating, investor interest shifted to other companies. Lists of so-called "patriotic theme" companies circulated in online stock discussion forums, and related stocks hit daily limit up simultaneously.
According to the Korea Exchange on the 16th, Enex, Vivien, and Monalisa, labeled as "patriotic theme stocks," all hit daily limit up. Enex, an interior and furniture company, gained attention after it became known that the firm donated student furniture to childcare facilities and welfare institutions. Vivien, established in 1957 and listed in 1976, is Korea's largest women's underwear company. Monalisa manufactures toilet paper and hygiene products. Vivien and Monalisa, as consumer goods companies, previously benefited from the 2019 Japanese product boycott.
However, their financial performance raises concerns. Enex's Q1 2026 revenue decreased 22.59% year-over-year to 46.68 billion KRW, and the company posted an operating loss of 2.87 billion KRW, turning to deficit. Monami's Q1 operating loss reached 2.72 billion KRW, an increase of 1.99 billion KRW compared to the same period last year.
Financial Industry Warns of Sharp Declines After Theme Stock Peaks
Industry experts caution that theme stocks can fall sharply once the underlying theme loses momentum. In early July, Kumho E&C surged following the government's announcement of a semiconductor investment project in the Honam region. In late 2025, Cheonil Express and Dongyang Express rose sharply on news of the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal redevelopment.
Kumho E&C rose over 250% in approximately two weeks but fell 44.84% within one week after hitting its 52-week high on the 10th. Dongyang Express and Cheonil Express, labeled "terminal redevelopment theme stocks," plunged 68.5% and 84.72% respectively from their 52-week highs.
A financial investment industry official stated, "Theme stocks see trading volume surge as investor attention concentrates following related news, and the stock price increase itself creates 'supply concentration' that further drives prices up. However, when market themes shift elsewhere, stock prices can drop significantly in a short period."
The official added that caution is especially necessary for companies with poor earnings or low stock value, as sharp rises can lead to equally sharp falls. "Theme stocks can experience high volatility from profit-taking alone, even without negative news. Beyond the theme itself, investors must thoroughly verify actual business relevance, potential benefits, and earnings contributions. Chasing purchases based solely on stock price increases should be avoided."
FAQ
What caused Hansung Enterprise and Monami stocks to surge in July?
The stocks rose 237.67% and 173.41% respectively from July 1 to 15 due to a social media campaign encouraging investors to support domestic Korean companies facing delisting risk. The Korea Exchange raised its 2026 market capitalization delisting threshold to 30 billion KRW, and both companies' market caps were below this level as of July 1.
How did past Korean theme stocks perform after their initial surges?
Kumho E&C rose over 250% in two weeks following a government semiconductor investment announcement in July, then fell 44.84% within one week after hitting its 52-week high on the 10th. Dongyang Express and Cheonil Express, which surged on terminal redevelopment news in late 2025, fell 68.5% and 84.72% respectively from their 52-week highs.
What are the financial results of recent patriotic theme stocks?
Enex's Q1 2026 revenue decreased 22.59% year-over-year to 46.68 billion KRW with an operating loss of 2.87 billion KRW. Monami's Q1 operating loss reached 2.72 billion KRW, an increase of 1.99 billion KRW compared to the same period last year.
