Semiconductor Shock to Seoul Markets: KOSPI plunged nearly 8% as investors dumped chip stocks amid renewed AI-capacity worries and reports Apple is seeking chips from two Chinese firms, triggering sell-side “sidecar” trading halts and dragging Samsung and SK hynix sharply lower. Mega Chip Push: Samsung and SK hynix doubled down on AI-era production with a combined $518B memory investment plan, while SK hynix pledged a new $51B NAND factory in Cheongju and Samsung detailed a separate 140T won Chungcheong investment for displays, HBM-related production, batteries, and chip materials. AI Policy & Industry Ties: AMCHAM launched an AI Leadership Council to boost Korea–US public-private cooperation, and Korea showcased quantum security at Quantum Korea 2026, highlighting quantum key distribution. Health Tech Research: A study using Korea’s nationwide screening data built models to predict early-onset liver cancer risk in young adults, and separate findings suggest statins and blood pressure meds can narrow cardiovascular gaps for obese adults. Regulation Watch: Korea disputed a US House report accusing discrimination against Coupang, and KRX tightened KOSDAQ rules to stop tech-listed firms from covertly pivoting into crypto businesses. Energy Storage Deal: Lumcloon Energy partnered with KEPCO on an Ireland supercapacitor project, aiming to pair fast-response storage with a mini data center.