Samsung, SK Hynix Margin Debt Surges 700B Won in July as Forced Liquidation Risk Grows

According to South Korea's financial investment industry, margin debt on Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix reached 10.76 trillion won as of July 8, up 699 billion won in just six trading days. SK Hynix's margin balance stood at 5.24 trillion won, up 8.44% from late June, representing the highest level among KOSPI-listed stocks. Samsung's margin balance rose to 5.52 trillion won, up 6.3%.

Both stocks have plunged 16.77% and 17.51% respectively this month, raising forced liquidation concerns as collateral ratios fall below broker thresholds. Multiple brokers have raised margin requirements—Kiwoom Securities increased rates from 20% to 30%, while Korea Investment & Securities applied 60% rates on both stocks. Several local brokerages lowered price targets, citing slowing earnings growth from H2 2026 onward.