Semiconductor Surge: South Korea’s exports are accelerating on the AI chip rally, with May exports up 53% to about $87.8B and analysts pointing to a possible $1T annual run-rate. Market Momentum: The KOSPI pushed past 8,800 and closed near 8,801 as Samsung-led tech strength offset profit-taking, even as investors watched US-Iran ceasefire uncertainty. AI Infrastructure Push: Naver Cloud and Nvidia plan to unveil an “AI factory” initiative during Jensen Huang’s Korea visit, aiming to deploy large-scale models in industrial settings. Memory Race: SK Hynix says it wants to double wafer capacity over the next five years, betting on continued HBM demand tied to Nvidia systems. Defense Tech Policy: The Cabinet approved bills to strengthen defense semiconductor self-reliance and support domestically developed chips for weapons systems. Security Talks: Seoul and Washington began inaugural talks on implementing summit security agreements, including nuclear-powered submarine-related issues. Regional Talent & Inequality: Jeonbuk National University is building a physical AI lab to retain talent, while Seoul moves to measure a new “AI divide” with a proposed AI inequality index. Korea-Africa Business: Korea asked Libya to back a bigger role for Korean firms, and Egypt urged Korean companies to build an industrial zone along the Suez Canal. Antarctica Leadership: South Korea was selected to chair the 2027 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Incheon, focusing on research and environmental protection.