Semiconductors & AI Markets: US chip sell-off deepened as investors cooled AI-fueled valuations after stronger jobs data, with Nvidia and other major chipmakers taking sharp hits—an external reminder that Korea’s chip rally can swing fast. Nvidia in Korea: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang kicked off a high-profile Seoul visit with Korean business leaders and esports star Faker, even gifting a signed RTX 5090, underscoring Nvidia’s push into Korea’s gaming and robotics growth themes. Memory Chips: China’s CXMT and YMTC moved closer to listings, signaling longer-term competitive pressure on Samsung and SK hynix as AI demand lifts the whole memory cycle. Defense & Shipbuilding: North Korea ordered a 10,000-ton destroyer and “underwater secret weapons” ahead of Xi Jinping’s visit, while also conducting navigation tests and calling for faster fleet modernization. Industrial Safety: Hanwha Aerospace held the first funeral for a worker killed in a deadly factory blast, as the company faces renewed scrutiny after prior incidents. Trade Policy: South Korea’s government is pressing ahead with efforts to join RCEP, aiming to plug into the world’s largest trade bloc. Crypto Regulation: South Korea launched criminal investigation into Polymarket bettors, adding to the country’s tightening stance on digital-asset-related activity. Consumer/Brand Risk: A Starbucks Korea “Tank Day” backlash shows how fast retail marketing missteps can trigger public backlash and government-level fallout.