Semiconductor Surge & Trade Milestone: South Korea’s exports hit a record $100B+ monthly mark in June, rising 70.9% to $102.25B as chip shipments jumped 199.5% to $44.82B, lifting the trade surplus to $36.15B. AI Power Demand & Renewables: KKR and SK Inc are launching Korea’s largest renewable energy platform (about 2T won) to supply AI data centers and chip plants, with 1.7GW at launch and a 10GW pipeline. Physical AI Push: The government unveiled a roadmap to make South Korea a global leader in physical AI by 2028, focusing on unified robot behavior data, physical AI foundation models, and real-world deployment across manufacturing, agriculture, and mobility. Market Mood: Seoul shares slid as foreigners booked profits after a blistering AI-led quarter, even as export news stayed strong. Android App Store Probe: The FTC alleged Google abused dominance in the Android app marketplace, targeting “Project Hug” incentives that allegedly steered developers toward Google Play. Energy Security Shock: With Hormuz disruptions still in focus, South Korea said only two Korean-crew vessels remain in the Strait, shifting attention to crew safety and rotations. Local Industry Tension: Daegu’s wetland walkway plan is reigniting the fight between public access and conservation in Palhyeon Wetland.