[E-Daily Reporter KIM EUNG-TAE ] Shareholders and companies are stepping up efforts to save domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) pushed to the brink by the government’s stricter delisting requirements. As the stock price of Monami, a popular stationery company, surged due to buying pressure from small shareholders, attention is now focused on whether other companies that have contributed to people’s livelihoods and society will also be able to avoid the threat of delisting.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 13th, the stock price of Monami(005360) stood at 2,040 won as of that day, a 54.8% increase from 1,318 won on the 6th—one week earlier. During the same period, its market capitalization rose by 55%, from 24.9 billion won to 38.6 billion won. As recently as a week ago, Monami’s market capitalization was below 30 billion won, putting it at risk of delisting; however, its stock price has rebounded sharply, buoyed by shareholder sentiment calling for the preservation of this “national company.” Financial authorities have decided that, starting in July, companies with a single-share price below 1,000 won or a market capitalization below 30 billion won on the KOSPI or 20 billion won on the KOSDAQ (to be raised to 50 billion won on the KOSPI and 30 billion won on the KOSDAQ next year) will be classified as candidates for delisting.
The small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector is watching closely to see whether shareholder interest will extend to other domestic SMEs facing delisting risks, following Monami’s case. DAEKYO(019680), an education company celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is also at risk of delisting as its stock price has fallen below 1,000 won (970 won as of the close on the 13th); however, it is highly regarded for its contribution to the popularization of education in Korea through home-tutoring services such as “Eunnoppi,” the first of its kind in the country. Through its subsidiary DAEKYO EduCamp, DAEKYO operates South Korea’s first specialized institution for students with learning difficulties, providing support to students with borderline intelligence. Through another subsidiary, DAEKYO Newife, it offers senior care services, establishing a lifelong education system and contributing to the creation of specialized jobs for seniors.
Welcron Company Limited(065950), which has been in the textile materials business for over 30 years, also recorded a closing price of 1,005 won and a market capitalization of 28.4 billion won as of today. Although it faces the threat of delisting, it is recognized as a company committed to consistent social contribution. The Welcron Company Limited has consistently participated in charitable activities while introducing allergy-resistant and eco-friendly bedding to the domestic market, leveraging its technological expertise in health and environmental materials. Every winter, the company donates “Sesa Living” heated functional bedding to underprivileged groups, and during the 2025 Andong wildfire, it also provided bedding to disaster victims.
The Welcron Company Limited has also played a role in alleviating the burden of living expenses on the public. Through its subsidiary, Welcron Healthcare, it operates a “Special Deals Market” on its online store, selling products from “Yeji Min,” Korea’s first traditional Korean medicine-based sanitary napkin brand, at prices 40–50% lower than the regular price.

Both companies are also making every effort to boost their stock prices to avoid delisting. Earlier this month, DAEKYO canceled 4,235,150 shares to enhance shareholder value, and in August, it will submit a proposal for a stock consolidation—combining two common shares into one—to the shareholders’ meeting. In addition, the company’s strategy is to expand its business in overseas markets by entering the Central and South American markets with its global learning brand “iLevel,” while simultaneously laying the groundwork for restoring profitability through diversification into the lifestyle sector.
A DAEKYO official stated, “Based on the educational content and learning management capabilities we have accumulated over the past 50 years, we are expanding our business into the education and care sectors across the entire lifespan—from infants and toddlers to elementary, middle, and high school students, and seniors.” The official added, “We will reduce gaps in education and care while simultaneously launching related products and services and creating jobs, thereby developing our social contribution into a medium- to long-term growth engine.”
Welcron Company Limited President Shin Jeong-jae has been demonstrating his commitment to responsible management by purchasing a total of 20,010 shares on the open market this month. Welcron Company Limited Vice President Jeong Seong-sik purchased a total of approximately 28,000 shares on the open market last month.