South Korea's used-phone market is expanding as rising memory semiconductor prices push up the cost of new smartphones. Used-phone purchases reached 2,925,067 units in the first half of this year, with transaction value totaling 995,128,920,000 won, or approximately $719.0 million. UPM, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for used-phone businesses, processes activity from roughly 80% of the country's industry, making its data a broad indicator of national distribution. Industry observers say the annual purchase value could set a record, while some project it may approach or exceed 2 trillion won, or about $1.4 billion, if current prices persist. Memory prices are rising as production capacity shifts toward high-bandwidth memory (HBM), tightening supplies of smartphone DRAM and NAND flash. TrendForce estimates memory could account for about 40% of iPhone bill-of-materials costs by the first half of next year, above the application processor and display. Apple and Samsung Electronics are also participating directly through leasing, trade-in and certified refurbished programs. The trend benefits consumers seeking lower prices while creating additional resale revenue for manufacturers and supporting memory suppliers such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Memory prices, HBM shipments and the earnings of those companies are expected to remain key market indicators as AI investment continues.