South Korean Finance Minister: Semiconductor Boom Likely to Last Until Next Year at Least

South Korean Finance Minister Lee Hyung-il said on Saturday that the semiconductor industry boom will continue until at least 2027. In an interview on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, Lee said: "We currently judge that this upturn can be sustained until at least next year. The reason is that the gap between supply and demand for semiconductors remains huge, and supply is still expanding." Lee said chip stocks have amplified volatility in South Korea's stock market this year. He said the semiconductor industry accounts for a larger share of the domestic economy than in other countries, which has caused sharp market swings. However, he stressed that despite market fluctuations, South Korea's economic fundamentals remain solid. (Sina Finance)