Semiconductor Surge: South Korea’s exports hit a record $102.25B in June, up 70.9% year-on-year, with chips driving the jump as shipments topped $44.82B. Market Mood: Seoul stocks slid after an AI-led tech run, with KOSPI down 2.04% to 8,303.41 as investors weighed fragile U.S.-Iran talks and AI concentration worries. AI Megaproject Reality Check: The government’s $1T-plus AI and chip push faces “physical, financial and demographic” constraints, with lawmakers setting up a fast-track support task force. Tech Regulation: The Korea Fair Trade Commission accused Google of abusing Android app-market dominance via “Project Hug,” estimating impact on 14.16T won in app revenue and signaling possible penalties. Inter-Korean Diplomacy: President Lee Jae Myung vowed to keep engaging North Korea and replace the armistice with a peace regime, while Seoul and Ukraine discussed transferring two North Korean POWs under international humanitarian law. Defense Transition: South Korea’s defense ministry reviewed progress toward completing FOC for OPCON transfer, aiming to tighten the roadmap with Washington. World Cup Fallout: The national team returned to boos and protests at Incheon, with President Lee offering consolation and calling for a foundation for improvement. Energy & Industry: Seoul awarded 1,786MW of offshore wind in the first half and reviewed Renault Korea’s June sales drop, while only two Korean vessels remained in the Strait of Hormuz after evacuations.