AI Supply-Chain Politics: The U.S. plans to pressure dozens of countries to “pick sides” in the AI race, warning they’ll be excluded from a U.S.-led coalition if they join China’s competing framework—an approach that directly pulls in South Korea as both sides court semiconductor and critical-mineral partners. Semiconductor Materials Race: Samsung Electro-Mechanics is pushing into AI glass substrate production as Japan’s Shinko Electric reports a high-layer, crack-resistant design—showing how packaging materials are becoming the next battleground for AI chip scale-up. South Korea Market Mood: Korea’s Kospi snapped back into bull-market territory, driven by renewed confidence in AI infrastructure spending and a surge in Samsung and SK hynix. Regional Budget Push: Seoul plans to expand its “regional preference” policy for the 2027 budget, boosting the number of supported programs and shifting more cost burden away from weaker regions. University-to-Startup Push: KAIST, GIST, DGIST and UNIST are launching startup arms to turn deep-tech lab work into new ventures, with a KAIST spinoff drawing major AI-chip investors. Defense & Shipbuilding: Trump’s move to let foreign shipbuilders build in the U.S. could open new opportunities for Korean yards tied to the MASGA cooperation. Cybersecurity: North Korea is reportedly using AI to automate stolen-data analysis and improve phishing and malware operations, raising the stakes for regional critical infrastructure defenses. Tech Policy & Safety: A South Korean delegation reviewed U.S. gene-editing and biotech regulatory frameworks as Seoul works to keep its rules aligned with fast-moving science. Public Tech Culture: MSIT will open an AI-and-hologram permanent exhibition at Seodaemun Prison’s women’s ward for Liberation Day, blending history with new display tech.