Tech Talent & Visas: South Korea’s E-7-1 professional visa holders from Vietnam nearly doubled in four years to 3,572 as of August, with the visa used for fields like IT and robotics—while Chinese E-7-1 holders fell and E-7-2 caregiving holders remain dominated by Chinese nationals. AI for Public Services: Gangnam District Office rolled out a “Real-Time Transparent OLED Communication Window” that turns spoken words into subtitles and translations across 130 languages, aiming to cut barriers for foreigners and hearing-impaired residents. AI for Social Value: SK Telecom showcased “DO THE GOOD AI” at Seoul’s Social Value Festa, including AI tools to block voice phishing, detect financial fraud, and support vulnerable groups. Robotics & Automation: LG CNS’s Optimization Grand Challenge 2026 drew 958 teams from 55 countries for shipyard block placement optimization, while MilliTrack pitched AMR+ localization using millimeter-wave radio where cameras and LiDAR struggle. Biotech Materials: KAIST researchers engineered E. coli to make biodegradable hot-melt glue from glucose, targeting packaging and other industrial uses. Defense Industry: South Korea and Estonia held a defense industry forum in Tallinn, with industry groups signing an MoU to pursue joint projects and technology cooperation. Housing Tech & Costs: Jeonse deposits in Seoul are pushing toward or above 1 billion won for standard-size units, reflecting continued rent and sale price pressure. Market & Supply Chain Watch: Chinese LCD panel makers raised prices, putting Samsung and LG under pressure ahead of year-end sales.