Defense & Security Talks: South Korea and the U.S. kicked off formal interagency talks in Seoul to implement last year’s security agreements, with focus on nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing, plus expanded shipbuilding cooperation. Industrial Safety: Hanwha Aerospace partially suspended production at its Daejeon facility after an explosion killed five and injured two; labor authorities ordered the halt and police are probing ignition sources and flammable materials. Semiconductor Supply Chain: Seoul will streamline imports of EUV lithography equipment, cutting approval time to about nine days from 34, aiming to help Samsung and SK hynix secure advanced tools faster. AI-Driven Markets: KOSPI swung after a record high as investors weighed rising inflation pressure and profit-taking, while Nvidia-linked AI optimism kept tech sentiment volatile. Energy Logistics: The government extended its strategic oil stockpile swap system until June 30 to reduce disruption risk as Strait of Hormuz normalization remains uncertain. Trade & Food Standards: APFRAS, chaired by South Korea, pushed for broader food safety regulatory harmonisation across the Asia-Pacific. Retail Restructuring: Homeplus is shopping its remaining operations, including its hypermarket and online units, as it seeks funding ahead of a court restructuring deadline.