Semiconductors & AI Markets: South Korea’s KOSPI surged about 18% on Friday as investors snapped back into chip stocks after a brutal AI-linked selloff, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix leading the rebound. AI Infrastructure & Finance: South Korea is setting up a sovereign wealth fund of more than 20 trillion won to back strategic and advanced industries, aiming to close the gap between AI chip production and domestic computing capacity. Chip Mega-Zone Labor Debate: The government is weighing labor-rule waivers for the Gwangju semiconductor/AI megaproject, including possible changes to the 52-hour workweek cap and rules for non-regular work—sparking backlash from labor groups. Defense Exports: Korea revised NATO supplier identification rules so defense firms can get facility-based NCAGE codes, easing U.S. procurement bids. Supply Chain & Energy: Refiners are exploring Venezuelan crude imports as Hormuz disruptions threaten Middle East supply routes. Consumer Tech & Data: A Korean consumer mediation panel ordered Coupang to pay 100,000 won per victim over its massive personal data breach. Defense & Shipbuilding: Hanwha Ocean signed a final deal for a 7.8 trillion-won Navy destroyer project, reinforcing South Korea’s naval build momentum.