"Not a Superconductor" Nature's Comment Sends Related Stocks into Turmoil

Research Results Identifying LK-99 Properties Published
LK-99 with Impurities Removed Is Only an Insulator
Related Stocks Rollercoaster Following Experimental Results

Researchers at the Korea Quantum Energy Research Institute experienced sharp fluctuations in related stocks after the international academic journal Nature published an article stating that the material 'LK-99', claimed to be a room-temperature and ambient-pressure superconductor, is not a superconductor. Recently, as the controversy over the authenticity of LK-99 has intensified, so-called 'superconductor-related stocks' have been on a rollercoaster ride.

As of the closing price on the 17th, Seonam recorded 7,330 KRW, down 29.99% (3,140 KRW) from the previous day. Mobis closed at 3,615 KRW, down 21.50% (990 KRW), and Kukil Shindong was down 29.87% (1,670 KRW) at 3,920 KRW. However, Shinseong Delta Tech rose 15.19% (7,900 KRW) to 59,900 KRW.

On the same day, the online edition of Nature published the results of recent experiments on LK-99 conducted by a research team from the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Germany. Nature reported, "After dozens of replication attempts, many experts confidently say there is evidence that LK-99 is not a room-temperature superconductor."

Impurity-free LK-99 crystal created by the research team at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. Unlike the domestic research team's sample, it exhibits a purple hue. [Image source=Nature]

Earlier, the Max Planck Institute team succeeded in synthesizing single crystals of LK-99 free of impurities and conducted experiments confirming the absence of superconductivity. According to the research team, this material is an insulator with a resistance of several million ohms (Ω), not a superconductor.

Dr. Pascal Pufall, who led the research, explained that the superconductivity-like properties observed in LK-99 were due to the impurity 'copper sulfide' generated during the manufacturing process.

Dr. Pufall concluded, "We exclude the existence of superconductivity." Nature also stated, "The German research team's conclusion will disappoint those who hoped LK-99 would be a room-temperature and ambient-pressure superconductor."

Meanwhile, superconductor-related stocks have repeatedly surged and plunged whenever research results related to LK-99 were reported. Earlier this month, when a research institution at Peking University in China released findings suggesting LK-99 is "simply a ferromagnetism," related stocks plummeted simultaneously.

However, investor sentiment recovered again after the Korean Superconductivity and Cryogenics Society's verification committee announced that they could synthesize and measure reproduced samples of LK-99. A positive factor was also the statement by Kim In-gi, CEO of the domestic fintech startup 'Bonasapiens', who majored in physics, claiming on social media on the 10th that "LK-99 is both a superconductor and a ferromagnet."

To definitively settle the superconductor controversy, it seems necessary for domestic researchers to bring actual LK-99 samples to an accredited laboratory for verification.

In this regard, Professor Michael Fuller, a physicist at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, pointed out, "The only additional confirmation can come from the Korean team sharing the (LK-99) samples," adding, "That team bears the burden of convincing everyone else."

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