**South Korea’s iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) trades near $192 as of early October 2026, reflecting a roughly 97% year-to-date gain driven primarily by semiconductor strength.** Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix together comprise nearly half the fund, so AI-related memory demand—reinforced by Micron’s recent results and robust September exports—has supported prices. The KOSPI recently reclaimed the 7,000 level on institutional buying that offset foreign selling, while the won hovered near 1,350 per dollar. Elevated U.S. Treasury yields and upcoming Samsung earnings add volatility. EWY’s 52-week high near $221 remains a key reference point amid ongoing macro sensitivity to Fed policy and global tech spending.