On August 7, 2026, South Korean media outlet Korea Economic Daily reported that South Korea's export value surpassed Japan's for the first time in the first half of this year. It is also believed that South Korea is likely to become the de facto fourth-largest exporting nation in the world this year, following China, the United States, and Germany.

Citing reports from Japanese media, the article stated that South Korea's exports from January to June amounted to $496.3 billion, exceeding Japan's $384.4 billion by $111.9 billion. While Japan's exports increased by approximately 10% year-on-year, South Korea's grew by about 50%, significantly widening the gap. The biggest factor driving South Korea's export expansion is said to be semiconductors for artificial intelligence (AI).

Due to the global surge in demand for advanced memory, South Korea's integrated circuit exports in the first half of the year reached $149 billion, accounting for approximately 30% of total exports. It is said that the momentum is such that the export value in the first half alone surpasses the full-year export value for 2025.

Taiwan also significantly expanded its exports of advanced semiconductors, primarily driven by TSMC, the world's largest foundry company, with integrated circuit exports reaching $133.2 billion in the first half of the year. Its total exports were $416.6 billion, also surpassing Japan for the first time. In contrast, Japan's integrated circuit exports remained at $21.2 billion. The article stated that "Japan, which led the global semiconductor market in the 1980s, has fallen behind South Korea and Taiwan in the production competition for advanced semiconductor products."

On the other hand, it was noted that "Japan still maintains high competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials." Japanese manufacturers hold a high share in the global market, with semiconductor manufacturing equipment exports reaching $15 billion in the first half of the year, significantly surpassing South Korea ($5.2 billion) and Taiwan ($3.5 billion). Although Japanese equipment manufacturers are also benefiting from the AI boom, the market expansion speed for materials and manufacturing equipment is relatively slower compared to advanced semiconductors. Therefore, South Korea and Taiwan, which directly produce high-value AI semiconductors with rapidly increasing demand, are said to be benefiting more from the increase in exports. It was also analyzed that the recent depreciation of the yen, which reduced the dollar-denominated value of Japan's exports, also played a role.

The article further reported that the AI semiconductor boom is also widening the gap between the two countries in terms of economic growth rates. The South Korean government recently raised its real economic growth rate forecast for this year from the previous 2.0% to 3.0%. This is said to reflect the strong semiconductor exports and increased capital investment. It is also pointed out that if the increase in semiconductor exports continues, the growth rate could exceed the government's prediction.

Furthermore, South Korea's per capita GDP for this year is estimated at $39,164, and it is analyzed that if growth continues and the won-dollar exchange rate remains stable, it could surpass $40,000 for the first time in history.

In response to this article, many harsh comments were received from South Korean internet users, such as "Is South Korea's industry only Samsung Electronics and Hynix? Can't they see that there are various other industries struggling?" "Just because Samsung and Hynix are doing well doesn't mean the lives of the citizens will get easier," "If they earn money from semiconductors, will they distribute it to the citizens like a communist state?" and "If the semiconductor boom ends, the country will also end."

Other comments included: "South Korea cannot survive without exports. Japan has a certain level of domestic demand, so exports are not that important to them, they are a country that doesn't need to be compared," "Japan is no longer a competitor. We need to aim higher. This is not the time to be overly excited," and "South Korea beating Japan. It feels like a generation has passed." (Translation/Editing by Mae)