AI & Semiconductors: Nvidia and South Korea’s top firms are accelerating workplace generative AI, while Samsung unveiled industry-first 12-layer 3D-TSV chip packaging tech—signals that Korea’s AI buildout is moving from pilots to scale. ICT Exports: South Korea’s ICT exports hit a record $47.79B in May, up 128.9% on-year, led by semiconductor shipments as AI server demand and memory pricing stay strong. Market Access: Korea’s stock market is watching its MSCI “developed” review on June 23, with investors debating whether recent reforms are enough to upgrade status. Auto Demand Shift: Hyundai Motor Group grabbed 11.8% of the US market in Jan–Apr, boosted by hybrids as oil-price pressure cools conventional-vehicle demand. Aviation Cost Pressure: Airlines face Q2 headwinds as jet fuel prices and a weaker won threaten earnings recovery. Energy Shock Spillover: Analysts warn the US-Iran conflict is turning into a broader logistics, fertilizer, food and financial drag that could linger through 2027. Privacy & E-commerce: South Korea’s regulator imposed a record fine on Coupang over a massive data leak, and shares jumped as uncertainty eased. Medical Tourism: Foreigners’ spending on medical services in Korea rose to a fresh May high, led by dermatology and plastic surgery. Lithium Supply Chain: Anson Resources and POSCO signed a binding deal for a US DLE demonstration plant, targeting operations in 2027. Cybersecurity: South Korea is also moving to counter transnational cybercrime and crypto theft linked to North Korea.