Under Korean exchange rules a listed company must answer a market rumour or press report on the record. On 24 June 2026 Munhwa Ilbo reported that Samsung would start buying ₩90tn of its own shares the following month, in three annual tranches. Samsung's answer, refiled here on 22 July: it is reviewing a buyback for employee stock compensation, but no specifics on timing or size are determined. The company said it would refile once matters are settled or within three months, and set 22 October 2026 as the next re-disclosure date.

What followed is the useful part for anyone weighing Korean press reports against filings. On 21 August the board approved ₩15tn — one sixth of the reported figure — running three months rather than three years, and for employee stock compensation. A ₩90tn number did resurface the same day, but inside a separate ₩90–110tn total shareholder-return guide that covers dividends as well as buybacks, not as a buyback programme.

Uncertain: as of 26 August 2026 the 22 October re-disclosure had not been filed, and the company has not said whether the August approval closes this clarification out.