[Weekly HOT Stocks] Netmarble, Kakao Games, and Big Hit... 30% Increase in One Week

On the 3rd, it surged to 202,000 won during trading hours, setting a new 52-week high

The game 'BTS World' released by Netmarble (Photo by Asia Economy DB)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Netmarble received significant attention for a week due to the initial public offering (IPO) news of Kakao Games and Big Hit Entertainment.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 5th, Netmarble's stock price closed at 197,500 KRW, up 1.54% (3,000 KRW) from the previous session. Considering the stock price was 152,500 KRW on the 28th of last month, it surged 29.51% within a week. On the 3rd, it even soared to 202,000 KRW during trading hours, setting a new 52-week high.

Kakao Games played a role in driving up Netmarble's stock price. Kakao Games conducted a public offering subscription on the 1st and 2nd, recording a final comprehensive competition rate of 1,524.85 to 1. It raised 58.5 trillion KRW in subscription deposits, surpassing SK Biopharm and setting a new record. It is scheduled to be listed on the KOSDAQ market on the 10th.

Netmarble is classified as a related stock to Kakao Games. Netmarble, along with Aceville, a Tencent subsidiary, is the joint second-largest shareholder of Kakao Games with a 5.63% stake. Due to the high competition rate, obtaining Kakao Games public shares became 'like picking stars from the sky,' leading to investment sentiment focusing on Netmarble, which holds shares in Kakao Games. From the 31st of last month to the 4th, individual investors net purchased 90.7 billion KRW worth of Netmarble shares. It ranked 9th among the top net purchase stocks by individual investors in the KOSPI market.

The IPO of Big Hit Entertainment, the agency of BTS, was also a positive factor. Big Hit Entertainment submitted a securities registration statement to the Financial Services Commission on the 2nd for listing on the KOSPI market. Netmarble also holds a 24.9% stake in Big Hit Entertainment.

Researcher Lee Dong-ryun of KB Securities explained, "The listing of Big Hit Entertainment was a step expected after passing the preliminary review in August, but due to BTS's recent No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, future investment sentiment is positive," adding, "This could also positively affect the sales of Netmarble's 'BTS World' and the upcoming 'BTS Universe Story'."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.