SK Hynix China Employees Excluded from AI Bonus Boom, Earning Under 5% of Korean Headquarters

According to Beating, SK Hynix China employees recently revealed a stark disparity in year-end bonuses compared to headquarters. While Korean staff could receive bonuses exceeding 3 million yuan based on the company’s 10% profit-sharing policy, Chinese employees’ bonuses fall below 5% of that amount—roughly 150,000 yuan or less. A technician with over 10 years at the China division stated his peak bonus reached only 100,000 yuan, and in 2023 it dropped to zero.

The gap stems from structural differences in compensation. Korean headquarters calculate bonuses on 12 months of high base salaries, while China’s division operates with lower base salaries and no stock incentives. Employees noted that management positions are dominated by Korean staff, with the Chinese subsidiary treated primarily as a manufacturing and sales operation rather than a profit-sharing entity.