SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has purchased 3,620 shares of SK hynix Inc. in the open market, marking the first time the conglomerate's leader has made a personal investment in the company's flagship semiconductor unit.

The transaction was disclosed in a regulatory filing on Thursday, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The move is notable given Chey's previous abstention from direct share purchases in the memory chipmaker.

By entering the market as a buyer, the chairman is signaling confidence in SK hynix's valuation and future growth prospects.

This action aligns with his recent public statements endorsing the stock's long-term upward trajectory, citing sustained global demand for memory chips.

SK hynix remains a critical component of the SK Group's portfolio, particularly as the semiconductor sector navigates cyclical shifts and increased competition.