# Stocks linked to election candidates fall amid chip-driven rally > Source: > Published: 2026-06-03 06:22:03+00:00 Shares linked to political figures moved largely downward and saw weak trading activity during this local election period, in contrast to previous election cycles when such stocks experienced sharp volatility, according to Korea Exchange data Wednesday. Market analysts attributed the subdued performance to the recent KOSPI rally led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, as optimism over expanding artificial intelligence (AI) data center investment and an improving semiconductor outlook shifted investor focus toward major technology stocks. Sampyo Cement and SJ Group, both regarded as stocks linked to ruling Democratic Party of Korea Seoul mayoral candidate Chong Won-o, fell 30 percent and 49 percent, respectively, over the past month as of Tuesday. The two firms were associated with Chong, the former head of Seoul’s Seongdong District, based on their ties to Seongsu-dong in the district. Stocks associated with main opposition People Power Party candidate Oh Se-hoon were no exception to the broader weakness. Chin Yang Industry, Chin Yang Poly and Chin Yang Chemical fell 18 percent, 26 p