Semiconductor Power Pact: South Korea formalized power delivery timelines for its ₩1,350 trillion chip megaclusters, with Honam targeted for first electricity by 2029 and Yongin set for full power by 2041—raising the stakes for KEPCO-backed infrastructure. AI Robotics & Manufacturing: KAIST unveiled AI-LOVI (Aug. 18) to measure whether AI companions reduce or worsen loneliness at scale, while KAIST researchers reported a holographic telepresence breakthrough that captures and replays real optical wavefronts for more faithful 3D communication. Physical AI in Industry: Hyundai said internal AI tools cut crash-test review time 90% and reduced downtime and response times, pushing its “Physical AI+” push across cars and factories. Digital Defense Logistics: The US Marines tested Digital Manufacturing Exchange (DMX) to print approved parts using distributed regional capacity and streamed technical data, aiming to boost readiness across the Indo-Pacific. Chip Market Momentum: Samsung shares jumped 6.68% and KOSPI surged on renewed AI-linked chip demand optimism. North Korea Missile Update: Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile over 700 km ahead of US-South Korea drills, with Japan reporting it fell outside its EEZ. Consumer Tech Health: Samsung won FDA clearance for Galaxy Buds features that act as an OTC hearing aid with a built-in hearing test.