SK Hynix, achieving its best results since its establishment, is set to offer unprecedented performance-based bonuses this year. With increasing excitement, a segment on a variety show discussing this subject has generated public attention.
In the fifth episode of the Coupang Play variety series *SNL Korea Season 8*, a skit humorously referenced the SK Hynix performance bonus trend. The scene features a man dressed in worn-out clothes entering a high-end fashion boutique, where an employee reprimands him: “This isn’t a place for someone like you. It’s a luxury shop. You can’t even test items if you don’t intend to purchase them.”
However, when the man takes off his jacket to try on some clothing, the atmosphere changes immediately. A vest underneath displays the “SK Hynix” logo. The clerk instantly smiles and asks, “Hynix-nyeonim?”—a blend of SK Hynix and *Haneunim* (Korean for “God”), a term used for SK Hynix employees who receive significant bonuses.
SK Hynix has a Profit-Sharing (PS) program that is supported by 10% of its operational earnings. During a strong period in the semiconductor industry, the company is expected to generate an annual operating profit of 250 trillion South Korean won this year. The PS fund is anticipated to be around 25 trillion South Korean won. If spread equally among roughly 35,000 employees, each individual might receive an average performance bonus of approximately 700 million South Korean won, as noted by market analysts.
Online groups have been overwhelmed with jokes ridiculing SK Hynix workers who received hundreds of millions of won in bonuses.
A netizen recently shared an image of a man wearing an SK Hynix-branded jacket from the back, with the caption, “The top dating attire in South Korea right now,” which sparked amusement. On social media, a post stated, “These days, SK Hynix workers downplay their job by claiming they work at Samsung during dates. If a woman appears friendly, they shout ‘test passed’ and then disclose they are from SK Hynix,” which became a trending discussion.
An AI-created image named *SK Hynix Parking Lot*, depicting luxury cars parked at the company’s location, has also been shared online.
A picture of a banner that says “Medical, Dental, Korean Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Schools (UIHS) + Semiconductor Contract Department, Led by the Principal” was posted on an entrance exam forum. It introduces a “semiconductor contract department”—a program that ensures jobs at semiconductor companies—alongside the existing prestigious pathway for students targeting medical, dental, Korean medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary schools.
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