The number of underage accounts in the South Korean stock market has increased tenfold.

Against the backdrop of the stock market soaring, South Korea's enthusiasm for "everyone trading stocks" has exploded. Data compiled by Toss Securities shows that in the first quarter of 2026, the number of new accounts opened by people under the age of 18 in South Korea increased nearly 10 times compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Korea Financial Investment Association, as of mid-May, the margin balance of the South Korean stock market has reached a record high of 363 trillion Korean won. It is worth noting that the volatility of the South Korean stock market is intensifying. On May 19, the South Korean benchmark KOSPI index plummeted nearly 5% at one point, ultimately closing down 3.25%, but still up over 72% year-to-date, leading major stock indices globally. Among them, the two top chip giants, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, both fell, with respective declines of 1.96% and 5.16% as of the close on the 19th.