South Korean semiconductor stocks rose as the KOSPI recovered from an opening decline and approached 7,000, with Samsung Electronics completing its previously announced buyback ahead of schedule and SK hynix progressing with its own program. Samsung bought 53.8 million treasury shares for 14.1565 trillion won, reaching a 100.96% cumulative buyback rate, applied to purchase another 2 million shares and is understood to plan continued purchases until spending reaches 15 trillion won. SK hynix bought 18.35 million of 24.07 million planned shares, or 76.24%, spending 32.0514 trillion won. Strong Micron results and artificial-intelligence demand supported semiconductor shares, while elevated U.S. Treasury yields, higher oil prices, profit-taking and concerns about a supply-demand vacuum after accelerated buybacks limited gains. Analysts said Samsung’s preliminary third-quarter results next week could improve sentiment and help the KOSPI break and hold above 7,000.