Future-Tech Push: South Korea unveiled the “Seven Major SEED” strategy, aiming to back new growth engines beyond semiconductors and AI with targets including moon landing by 2030 and an indigenous 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029, plus SMRs, nuclear fusion, renewable power, aerospace, advanced biotech, and advanced materials supply chains. AI Infrastructure & Telecom: Telecom firms are seeing early traction from AI data center buildouts; SK Telecom reported a surge in AIDC revenue and is expanding capacity via SK Hyper, while broader market buying lifted KOSPI on chip optimism. Semiconductor Momentum: Foreign investors poured nearly 900bn won into Korean stocks, led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, as chip rallies spread across Asia. Defense & Security Tech: The U.S. is strengthening layered drone defenses at Osan Air Base, and South Korea’s Army is studying AI/robotics for smarter field maintenance as manpower shrinks. Housing & Finance Pressure: Tighter bank lending is pushing borrowers toward higher-rate savings banks, while Seoul continues housing redevelopment rule changes. Aviation Deal: Asiana shareholders approved its merger with Korean Air, clearing the way for an integrated carrier launch in December. Consumer Watch: A malatang probe found sodium levels averaging 2.7 times the recommended daily intake at franchise chains.