Korea Tourism & Culture: Hanbok rentals have become a near-ritual for foreign visitors at Seoul’s old palaces, with Gyeongbok Palace drawing the biggest pull as tourists shift from “seeing” history to wearing it. Climate Mindset: Young Koreans are turning climate anxiety into everyday eco habits, with “plogging” spreading as a way to cope and act without protests. China–N. Korea Diplomacy: Xi Jinping is set to visit North Korea for the first time since 2019, as Beijing seeks to reassert influence while Pyongyang leans harder on Russia. Semiconductors: China’s memory makers are edging toward IPOs, raising the stakes for Samsung and SK hynix as AI demand boosts a new generation of Chinese chip challengers. Security & Tech Rivalry: Five Eyes warns China is targeting its personnel via fake job platforms, while China’s FM pushes back on Western claims of an AI “rivalry.” Energy Geopolitics: Iranian crude discounts to China’s refiners signal demand weakness despite sanctions-driven supply disruptions. Business & Regional Links: Malaysia launched a Central Asia MICE roadshow in Tashkent and Almaty, pitching Kuala Lumpur as a meetings hub. South Korea Politics: The head of Korea’s election commission resigned after ballot shortages sparked chaos and protests during local elections. US–Japan Science: DOE and Japan launched a $1bn Genesis Mission research partnership, with AI-driven science and advanced computing at its core.