AI & Semiconductors Rally: South Korea’s KOSPI snapped back more than 8% to reclaim the 8,000 mark as chip stocks rebounded on AI optimism and a temporary Israel-Iran ceasefire, with exchange volatility controls triggered during the surge. FX Watch: The Financial Supervisory Service is stepping up talks with banks, brokerages and insurers to curb won volatility as foreign outflows and higher US-rate expectations keep pressure on the currency. Policy Push for Growth: President Lee Jae-myung laid out “irreplaceable Korea” goals for his second year, with major emphasis on AI competitiveness alongside semiconductors and faster delivery of large investment projects. AI Infrastructure Deals: Nvidia’s Seoul push is deepening partnerships with Korean giants, including multi-year memory and joint R&D plans with SK hynix and a gigawatt-scale AI cloud direction with SK Telecom. Construction Automation: GS E&C and Daedong Robotics signed an MoU to pilot AI field robots at construction sites, targeting material transport and repetitive labor tasks. Retail Compliance: South Korea’s fair trade watchdog fined Coupang 500 million won over misleading discount ads for paid membership subscribers. Energy & Industry Projects: Technip Energies won a €1bn+ EPCIC role for Mozambique’s Coral Norte FLNG project in partnership with JGC and Samsung Heavy Industries. Trade Agreement: South Korea’s economic and trade cooperation pact with Jordan took effect, setting a framework for investment, tourism, agriculture and environment cooperation.