How to Save a 'National Company' on the Brink of Expulsion: Retail Investors' 'Support Buying' Rally Helps It Escape Delisting

[Financial News] As the government and the Korea Exchange tightened delisting standards for the stock market, long-established domestic companies that had been on the brink of delisting pulled off a dramatic escape, helped by a spontaneous 'rescue buying' campaign from individual investors. As companies long loved by the public faced the risk of being pushed out of the market, small shareholders stepped in as a shield, driving up market capitalization through collective 'support investing.'
According to the investment banking industry on the 12th, the KOSPI Composite Index's market capitalization threshold for delisting was raised from 20 billion won to 30 billion won starting this month, putting the management front lines of some small and long-established listed companies under pressure. Seafood processor Hanseong Enterprise and writing instrument maker Monami faced the risk of being added to the delisting list for failing to meet the stricter standard.
However, as a consensus formed on stock forums and social media that "we cannot let domestic long-standing companies collapse like this," individual investors began buying shares at a fierce pace.

Hanseong Enterprise, known for its crab-flavored surimi product 'Crami,' saw its market capitalization fall to 28.7 billion won as of July 6 amid weaker earnings caused by rising raw material costs. But the situation turned around after stories resurfaced online, including reports that the company had quietly sponsored concerts for Korean War veterans for the past 25 years.
With a surge of buying from individual investors, Hanseong Enterprise shares jumped exactly 100% over the past week, from 4,635 won on July 6 to 8,460 won on July 10, ranking first in returns on the domestic stock market. In particular, the stock hit the daily upper limit for two straight days on July 9 and 10, lifting its market capitalization to 52.5 billion won as of July 10 and fully clearing the delisting risk.
On July 7, Hanseong Enterprise posted a statement on its website in the names of its executives and employees, saying, "We are deeply grateful for the praise and support shown to Hanseong Enterprise online and on social media," and adding, "We will do our best to make good food."

Monami, the company behind the nation's beloved writing instruments, also came under delisting pressure as its market capitalization fell to 24.9 billion won on July 6 after years of weak performance and accumulated operating losses. Its image as a homegrown brand, built during the 2019 'No Japan' boycott campaign when it replaced Japanese writing instruments, proved valuable in this crisis.
Monami's stock rose 62% in a week, from 1,318 won on July 6 to 2,145 won, and surged for two consecutive days on July 9 (24.69%) and July 10 (25.66%). As a result, its market capitalization reached 40.5 billion won at the July 10 close, easily surpassing the 30 billion won threshold for a delisting grace period. Small shareholders supported the company not only by buying shares but also by posting proof of product purchases in a relay-style campaign.
In response to the dramatic turnaround, Monami President Song Jae-hwa posted a handwritten letter on the company's official Instagram account and website on the 10th, expressing heartfelt thanks to the public. Song, the grandson of founder and honorary chairman Song Sam-seok, recently took over as president and is now being tested as a third-generation leader. He said, "Your belief in Monami and your support, even in a difficult situation where delisting was possible, gave us great strength," and pledged, "Monami, which has shared in Korea's record-keeping history, will continue to stand firmly by your side."
The wave of 'good investing' by retail investors, sparked by the market's harsh delisting warnings, is drawing fresh attention in the securities industry. It goes beyond simply propping up stock prices, as shareholders themselves helped protect the social value of long-standing companies.


moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter