Semiconductor Megaproject Push: South Korea unveiled a “triple axis” plan to lock in AI leadership, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix pledging 800 trillion won (about $518B) to build new chip fabs in the southwest, plus 550 trillion won for AI data centers backed by SK Group, GS Group and Naver—aimed at boosting power and water supply and expanding physical AI commercialization. Regional Investment Politics: The opposition People Power Party criticized the government’s role in steering where private investment lands, filing criminal complaints and arguing the site selection wasn’t transparent or purely company-led. AI Infrastructure Scale-Up: SK Group said it plans about one quadrillion won for AI data centers and additional semiconductor supply expansion, including speeding up clusters and ramping memory output to meet AI-driven demand. Tech Market Mood: Asian trading stayed choppy as investors weighed AI valuation worries and Middle East oil risks, with South Korea’s Kospi pressured by tech selloffs even as chip investment headlines supported sentiment. Tourism Sustainability: Seoul is shifting tourism strategy toward “qualitative” growth to curb overtourism, launching a 2026 International Tourism Forum focused on protecting neighborhoods while keeping the city globally attractive. Retail Expansion Test: CU is taking an “online-first” approach in China, selling a small set of private-label items on Tmall before opening more physical presence. Industry Leadership: KAIST named Bae Choong-sik as its new president, ending a leadership gap and bringing expertise in eco-friendly energy and carbon-neutral power engineering. Consumer & Lifestyle Signals: South Korea’s toy market is seeing a “kidult” comeback driven by adult collectors, while pet registrations hit 3.67 million in 2025, reflecting steady growth in companion animal ownership.