Semiconductors & AI Supply: SK hynix broke ground on a $4B advanced packaging hub in Indiana, with CEO Kwak Noh-jung warning the memory crunch will likely stretch to 2030 as AI demand keeps capacity tight. DRAM Pricing Pressure: TrendForce says commodity PC DRAM prices hit another record in August, rising even as PC demand stays weak—HBM’s pull is crowding out legacy memory. Trade & Exports: South Korea’s August exports jumped 68.7% year-on-year to $98.25B on strong chip shipments, widening the trade surplus to $34.75B. Beauty Exports & Competition: K-beauty crossed $10B in cosmetics exports last year (to $11.4B), but analysts warn the industry’s speed and ODM model could make it easier for well-funded foreign rivals—especially China. Health & Biotech: dsm-firmenich won FDA approval in the U.S. for PARSOL Shield sunscreen active, while MSD highlighted Korean innovation behind Keytruda subcutaneous progress. Mobility & Labor: Hyundai unionized workers approved a wage deal after strikes, and Hyundai’s Munoz faced scrutiny as sales growth failed to translate into profit. Transport Infrastructure: Intercity bus routes and terminals keep shrinking, with 41 terminals lost and ridership down sharply over the past decade. Medical Tourism: Foreign spending on medical services in South Korea rose 66.5% in July, extending double-digit growth in inbound healthcare. Trade Policy: Seoul is reviving consultations on joining CPTPP, aiming to diversify export markets and strengthen supply chains. Disaster Response: South Korea’s Nepal rescue team used helicopters and drones but reported no meaningful progress finding nine missing Koreans.