Alaska LNG & energy geopolitics: South Korea is pushing back on U.S. claims tied to the Alaska LNG deal, saying there’s no final decision and that investment must be commercially viable, as Washington pressures Seoul over timelines and economics. Semiconductors & industrial investment: Samsung Electro-Mechanics plans a $1.85B expansion of AI-focused semiconductor packaging substrate output in Vietnam, while South Korea’s chip IP chiefs warn theft is shifting toward smaller suppliers. Cybersecurity for finance: South Korea’s financial sector is on high alert after AI-linked cyberattacks and data leaks hit multiple banks, with authorities ordering security checks and noting weak links beyond core systems. AI & identity security: SailPoint rolled out AI agent discovery and temporary access/compliance automation aimed at governing enterprise AI tools in real time. Machine safety & automation: A market report forecasts the machine safety sector reaching $7.45B by 2030 as factories adopt automation and stricter compliance. Hospitality tech: SMARTeLOCK is expanding contactless hotel check-in and online locker access with smartphone/PIN credentials and remote lock control. Retail & consumer pressure: Seoul’s coffee shop count fell by 492 in a year as margins stay thin, even as disposable cup use remains high. Space industry: Space & Bean’s SD-1Sat will test low-cost electronics protection in orbit on Nuri’s fifth flight.