Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are nearing completion of share buybacks totaling 36.3656 trillion Korean won, potentially removing a major source of KOSPI demand more than a month before the originally planned November deadlines. Samsung Electronics had bought 41.8 million shares, or 78.44% of its planned 53.285968 million shares, through September 21, while SK Hynix had purchased 14.75 million shares, or 61.28% of its planned volume, from August 20. Their cumulative purchases totaled 10.8525 trillion won and 25.5131 trillion won, respectively. At the current pace, Samsung Electronics could finish within five to six trading days and SK Hynix within 14 to 15 trading days; after accounting for market holidays, both programs could conclude around mid-October. The purchases helped offset net selling by foreign and retail investors, while other corporations recorded 23.1881 trillion won of net buying, part of which is analyzed to include the buybacks. Foreign investors showed signs of returning in August and bought 448.6 billion won of KOSPI shares on September 18 after eight trading days of selling, continuing to buy for three sessions. Shinyoung Securities identified lower VKOSPI volatility, weaker retail demand and new catalysts as conditions associated with large foreign inflows. The U.S.-China summit, Micron Technology's earnings and Samsung Electronics' third-quarter preliminary results could influence foreign demand, although elevated foreign ownership, geopolitical risks, rates and currency movements remain potential constraints. Further dividend increases or buybacks and share cancellations could partially offset the loss of buyback demand.