Defense Tech Push: South Korea and Japan’s defense chiefs agreed to keep deepening exchanges, including AI-focused advanced science cooperation, plus expanded maritime search-and-rescue drills and continued coordination between aerobatic teams Black Eagles and Blue Impulse. Mega Chip Investment: Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are set to unveil major investment plans at a presidential briefing Monday, with expectations of more than 1,000 trillion won over 10 years and possible Honam chip-cluster development. National R&D Funding: Seoul finalized its Sixth Basic Plan for Science and Technology, targeting over KRW200 trillion in R&D through 2030, with KRW60 trillion earmarked for 10 strategic areas like AI, semiconductors, advanced bio, and quantum. AI Supply-Chain Diplomacy: The UAE joined a US-led push at the Pax Silica Summit to build trusted AI supply chains and secure infrastructure, including partnerships involving South Korea. Education Tech Showcase: Sejong University’s virtual convergence graduate school held an immersive “BrandVerse” exhibition using AI, XR, and interactive media. Health Policy Watch: Korea’s public health insurance reimbursement overhaul is raising concerns that limits on reimbursed treatments could reduce patient access, including manual therapy. Semiconductor Market Mood: Micron’s AI-memory surge continues to ripple through global chip sentiment, with investors reacting to forecasts and supply tightness.