South Korea's two biggest chipmakers, Samsung and SK Hynix, are facing an investor test as their share repurchase programs wind down, removing a major source of buying support. The market is now focused on whether strong earnings can attract other investors to these stocks. Franklin Templeton portfolio manager Yi Ping Liao noted that SK Hynix's stronger commitment to returning cash gives it an edge as corporate buying fades, though this does not necessarily mean the stocks will fall.