University Globalization Rankings: Korea University topped the 2027 Korea Times university rankings, with Seoul National University and Yonsei close behind, as the survey added new measures on international faculty diversity and keeping degree-seeking international students. AI in Education: KOREATECH’s AI Learning Analytics Lab uses real-time camera-based posture and speech analytics to track engagement and class dynamics for both in-room and remote participants. Hydrogen & Grid-Scale Energy Tech: Hyundai E&C will lead a government-backed consortium to develop design tech for 100MW+ water electrolysis plants, using AI and dynamic simulation to handle renewable power fluctuations. Manufacturing AI Push: Ulsan is rolling out “M.AX” to apply AI across autos, shipbuilding and petrochemicals, starting with petrochemical testing and expanding toward predictive diagnostics. Battery Supply Chain: L&F will supply SK On with 160 billion won of non-Chinese LFP cathode materials, aiming to diversify a market dominated by Chinese players. Defense Supply Chain Security: LIG D&A joined a new partnership framework to raise security standards across South Korea’s defense supplier network. Public Health Watch: Influenza cases are surging, with elementary students driving outpatient rates near 80 per 1,000 and hospitalizations climbing for a fourth straight week. Earthquake Risk Near NK Test Site: A Pusan National University-led study in Science links North Korea’s 2017 nuclear tests to reactivated fault zones and rising seismic activity over years. Regional Jobs Mega-Zone: Ulsan, Busan and Gyeongnam plan a single labor market with commuting, relocation and training support under a 12.5 billion won mega-region link project. Medical Tourism & Hospital Rankings: Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center both climbed in Newsweek/Statista specialty rankings, reinforcing South Korea’s healthcare competitiveness.