[Edaily Reporter kyoungeun kim ] Monami(005360), which had surged on the back of the “patriotic stock” craze, hit the daily price limit down on the 21st after trading resumed.

According to MP Doctor, as of 9:20 a.m. that day, Monami was trading at 2,615 won, down 1,115 won (29.89%) from the previous trading day.

Monami had recently surged on the “patriotic stock” theme. It gained prominence as a leading domestic brand capable of replacing Japanese stationery products, and after the Korea Exchange’s Corporate Review Committee announced a policy to delist KOSPI-listed companies with a market capitalization of 30 billion won or less, news that Monami was among those at risk of delisting sparked public sentiment calling for “saving patriotic companies.” As trading volume surged sharply, the Korea Exchange designated Monami as a stock subject to an investment warning. Subsequently, when the stock price surged by more than 40% in just two days, trading was suspended for one day on the 20th in accordance with market surveillance regulations. Today marks the first day of resumed trading.

However, the company’s fundamentals remain a cause for concern. Monami has posted operating losses for three consecutive years since 2023 and received a “D”—the lowest possible rating—in last year’s comprehensive ESG evaluation by the Korea ESG Standards Institute. Inside trading with T-PEX, a logistics company in which President Song Jae-hwa—a third-generation heir—and his mother hold a 99.5% stake, has also come under scrutiny. It has been pointed out that while Monami continues to post operating losses, T-PEX has consistently remained profitable.

The securities industry is urging investors to exercise caution. Analysts note that since the rise in the stock price is driven by supply and demand rather than improvements in corporate performance or business competitiveness, the stock price could plummet sharply if investor sentiment shifts to other themes or if there is a concentrated wave of profit-taking.