Samsung Electronics and SK hynix recorded their first simultaneous decline in parental leave rates during the first half of 2026, as employees appeared to avoid missing large performance bonuses during the semiconductor boom. Samsung's rate fell to 35.5% among employees with a child born this year, from 36.2% a year earlier, while SK hynix's rate declined to 3.2% among employees with children of elementary school age or younger, from 4%. Both companies had previously agreed with unions to pay uncapped performance bonuses equivalent to 10% and 10.5% of operating profit, respectively. Samsung's semiconductor bonuses are projected to range from at least 200 million won to more than 600 million won, while its operating profit this year is projected to exceed 350 trillion won ($258 billion). SK hynix has also recorded lower parental leave rates during periods of stronger earnings.