The Korea Exchange announced on July 7 that the Korea Value-Up Index reached a record high of 4276.72 on June 22, while related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) attracted 4.2 trillion won in net assets by the end of June. The Korea Exchange plans to finalize criteria for identifying and announcing low price-to-book ratio (PBR) companies in July to encourage voluntary corporate value enhancement efforts. The Value-Up Index has risen 331% since its launch in September 2024, outpacing the KOSPI's gain by 79.6 percentage points during the same period, as 741 companies have disclosed value enhancement plans representing 85.5% of total market capitalization.
Korea Value-Up Index Reaches Record High as ETF Assets Surge 762%
According to the Korea Exchange's 'June 2026 Monthly Corporate Value Enhancement Status' released on July 7, the Korea Value-Up Index recorded 4276.72 on June 22, marking its highest level since calculation began. The index has risen 331% since its launch at the end of September 2024, exceeding the KOSPI's 79.6 percentage point gain during the same period.
Investor interest in Value-Up investments has expanded significantly. The total net assets of 13 ETFs tracking the Value-Up Index reached 4.2 trillion won as of the end of June, representing a 762% increase compared to their initial establishment in November 2024.
Corporate Value Enhancement Disclosures Reach 741 Companies
Corporate Value-Up disclosures have steadily increased. In June, 12 listed companies newly disclosed corporate value enhancement plans, bringing the cumulative total to 741 companies. This includes 347 KOSPI-listed companies and 394 KOSDAQ-listed companies.
The market capitalization of disclosing companies reached approximately 6,361 trillion won, accounting for 85.5% of total listed company market capitalization. Particularly on the KOSPI, disclosing companies represented 89.4% of market capitalization.
Periodic disclosures containing implementation status following initial announcements have continued. In June, four companies—Komico, Kiwoom Securities, Nongshim, and Orion—submitted additional disclosures, bringing the cumulative number of companies with periodic disclosures to 116.
Shareholder Return Policies Continue with Major Buyback Announcements
Shareholder return policies have continued. Mirae Asset Securities decided on a 300 billion won share buyback in June, while Pearl Abyss disclosed a 17.3 billion won share cancellation along with a 100 billion won share buyback trust contract. The Korea Exchange explained that share acquisitions, cancellations, and cash dividends have steadily increased over the past three years, with shareholder returns following Value-Up disclosures continuing.
Korea Exchange to Finalize Low-PBR Company Criteria in July
The Korea Exchange plans to establish a system to separately select and announce low-PBR companies during July. The purpose is to encourage companies with low PBR to establish corporate value enhancement plans and expand shareholder return policies.
A Korea Exchange official stated, "We plan to finalize detailed measures including low-PBR company selection criteria and announcement methods during July and prepare related guidelines. We will continue to support companies' voluntary corporate value enhancement efforts."
FAQ
What is the Korea Value-Up Index performance since its launch?
The Korea Value-Up Index reached a record high of 4276.72 on June 22 and has risen 331% since its calculation began at the end of September 2024, outpacing the KOSPI's gain by 79.6 percentage points during the same period.
How many Korean companies have disclosed corporate value enhancement plans?
As of June 2026, 741 companies have disclosed corporate value enhancement plans cumulatively, including 347 KOSPI-listed companies and 394 KOSDAQ-listed companies, representing 85.5% of total listed company market capitalization at approximately 6,361 trillion won.
What will the Korea Exchange announce in July regarding low-PBR companies?
The Korea Exchange plans to finalize detailed measures during July including low-PBR company selection criteria and announcement methods, along with preparing related guidelines to encourage companies with low PBR to establish corporate value enhancement plans and expand shareholder return policies.
