(Kim Ho-young)

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The cumulative donations of South Korea’s top 500 companies for the first nine months of 2025 rose by just 3.6 percent, data showed on Wednesday.

Samsung Electronics Co. topped the donation ranking while SK hynix Inc. saw the largest increase in its donation amount compared to last year.

Corporate data research institute CEO Score analyzed 218 companies among the top 500 by revenue that disclosed donation details in their third-quarter reports. The survey showed that cumulative donations between January and September of this year totaled 1.17 trillion won ($799 million), up 3.6 percent from the same period a year ago.

During the same period, the cumulative operating profit of these companies increased by 13.1 percent from 125.8 trillion won to 142.3 trillion won.

“Although corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly emphasized, the analysis shows that major companies reduced their donation spending amid growing uncertainty in the global economy,” CEO Score said.

Samsung Electronics donated the most during the cited period, contributing 110.4 billion won. However, this amount represents a decline from 141.2 billion won a year ago.

Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) donated 109.2 billion won, Hyundai Motor Co. 106.9 billion won, SK hynix Inc. 59 billion won, Kia Corp. 56.1 billion won, POSCO 47.8 billion won, LG H&H Co. 34.5 billion won, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. 32.1 billion won.

SK hynix recorded the largest increase in donations, rising 18 billion won from 41 billion won last year to 59 billion won this year.

The company posted its highest-ever quarterly operating profit in the third quarter as it continued to lead the artificial intelligence (AI) memory semiconductor market.

Other companies that increased donations included Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, POSCO, HD Hyundai Samho Co., POSCO Holdings Inc., and Korea Gas Corp.

KEPCO recorded the largest decline in donations, cutting its contribution by 45.2 billion won.

Samsung Electronics, LG Chem Ltd., Hanil Cement Co., and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries also reduced their donation amounts.

Donation trends varied notably by industry, largely reflecting sector-specific business conditions.

The shipbuilding, machinery, and equipment sector saw their donations increase by 21.8 percent, driven by a 71.1 percent surge in operating profit due to favorable business conditions.

The steel sector also increased donations by 40.3 percent as operating profit rose 13.5 percent.

Meanwhile, the petrochemical industry, which is experiencing a downturn, saw the largest drop in donations, slashing them by 39.4 percent.

The construction and building materials sector also reduced its donations significantly by 26 percent, data showed.