South Korea's KOSPI index has plummeted over 20% from its June peak, with a single-day drop exceeding 6%, signaling a potential entry into a technical bear market. Major chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw declines of approximately 7% and 5%, respectively, as investors reassess the outlook for AI demand. Despite Samsung's recent announcement of a 19-fold increase in quarterly profits, semiconductor stocks continue to fall, highlighting traders' demand for more evidence to justify high supply chain investments. The South Korean market, previously one of the best-performing globally this year, is particularly vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on these chip manufacturers. Leveraged ETFs have exacerbated market volatility, amplifying both upward and downward movements. Ian Samson, a portfolio manager at Fidelity International, noted that the increased volatility is largely due to fundamental uncertainties, with AI-driven semiconductor demand being supported by approximately $1 trillion in capital expenditure from a few large tech companies. Samson warned of potential downside risks if this chip spending proves unsustainable.