Extreme Heat & Public Safety: South Korea hit a new record high of 42.5°C in Yangsan, with emergency heatwave alerts issued across 20+ localities and authorities urging people to avoid outdoor activity and stay in air-conditioned spaces. AI & Semiconductors: SK Hynix’s rise into a $1T AI memory giant is tied to booming advanced-memory demand, and the company is set to expand its US investor reach via Nasdaq ADR trading. Market Volatility & Retail Risk: South Korea’s chip-led stock swings in July have triggered calls for tighter brokerage scrutiny and stricter margin-lending rules after retail investors took heavy losses during the KOSPI rout. Autonomous Mobility in Seoul: Kakao Mobility’s paid Gangnam robotaxi service passed 1,000 cumulative rides in just over two months, with plans to expand routes and increase end-to-end AI handling. AI Diplomacy & Industry Push: President Lee Jae-myung wrapped a US and South America trip focused on AI alliances and critical minerals, then met Korean expats in Frankfurt as Seoul moves to stabilize the “livelihood economy” at home. Health Tech: CytoCells is advancing a circulating tumor cell liquid biopsy platform aiming for real-time cancer profiling from blood, targeting precision medicine and new drug development. Space Watch: A discarded SpaceX rocket stage is on track to slam into the moon at about 5,400 mph, creating a new crater for scientists to study.