Business · Markets · 8 hrs ago
Korean listed firms had more small shareholders but smaller holdings
A comparison of 1,992 Korean listed companies found small-shareholder numbers rose 24.2% between the end of 2024 and the first half of 2026.
The total rose to about 81.4 million, although the increase was concentrated in a small number of companies.
Samsung Electronics had the most small shareholders, with about 8 million, while SK Hynix was second with about 3.5 million.
Small shareholders held 10.3% fewer shares overall than at the end of 2024.
Their share of all issued stock also fell from 49.5% to 47.6%, showing that more people did not mean a larger combined ownership stake.
The figures describe a change in shareholder numbers and holdings, but do not explain what caused it or predict what happens next.
A study found that the number of small shareholders in 1,992 South Korean listed companies rose 24.2% over 18 months.
Their total shareholdings fell 10.3%, while their portion of all issued shares declined by 1.9 percentage points.
Samsung Electronics had the most small shareholders, followed by SK Hynix.
Small-shareholder numbers increased at 601 companies and fell at 1,384.
LS ELECTRIC recorded the largest percentage increase in small shareholders, at 720.3%.
- Who
- The Leaders Index corporate research institute analyzed 1,992 South Korean listed companies.
- What
- The number of small shareholders rose 24.2%, but their total shares and share of issued stock declined.
- When
- The comparison covered the end of 2024 and the end of the first half of 2026.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The 1,992 companies had 65,516,465 small shareholders holding 42.72 billion shares.
The companies had 81,366,821 small shareholders holding 38.33 billion shares.
- Companies analyzed
- 1,992
- Small shareholders
- 81,366,821 at the end of the first half of 2026
- Small shareholders' shareholdings
- 38.33 billion shares at the end of the first half of 2026
- Share of issued stock held by small shareholders
- 47.6% at the end of the first half of 2026
- Largest increase
- LS ELECTRIC: 720.3%