AI Infrastructure & Chips: Nvidia is deepening its “memory empire” in South Korea, with deals tied to a state AI project (9,704 GPUs, including 2,016 Vera Rubin units) plus SK Hynix memory work and Nvidia tech used by SK Telecom, Naver and Doosan for gigawatt-scale AI cloud and data centers. AI Agents & Payments Standards: COOCON joined the Linux Foundation’s AAIF as a Silver Member to push open standards for agent interoperability and agent payment/data workflows, expanding a network of 180+ firms. Defense Tech: South Korea advanced the KDDX destroyer program by naming Hanwha Ocean as prime contractor for six next-gen ships, targeting multi-domain combat systems and advanced radar/communications integration. Security on the DMZ: South Korea is upgrading unmanned guard towers and long-range thermal imaging along the DMZ to reduce troop exposure and improve detection. Online Safety Policy: The UK announced a ban on social media for children under 16 (TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat and others), adding pressure on South Korea and other countries weighing similar rules. Energy Markets Spillover: A US-Iran framework deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz helped lift global stocks and ease oil prices, with Seoul shares jumping on the risk-on mood. Health Tech Business: Thales OneWelcome identity platform was selected by US healthcare network Availity to modernize identity infrastructure for secure, scalable access.