EV Battery & Clean Tech: LG Energy Solution and Seoul National University announced a Lithium Manganese-Rich battery breakthrough aimed at better stability, longer life, fuller recharging, and lower production costs—potentially making EVs cheaper while reducing reliance on cobalt. Climate Industry & Decarbonization: POSCO Group will showcase decarbonization tech at Busan’s 2026 World Climate Industry EXPO, including its hydrogen-based HyREX steelmaking concept and a “K-GX ecosystem” plan to build a greener industrial cluster. Energy Transition Hardware: Samsung is pushing residential electrification with high-efficiency heat pumps (EHS), highlighting lower climate impact via R32 refrigerant and waste-heat recovery features at the Green Hydrogen Global Forum in Jeju. Housing Affordability: Gyeonggi Province is studying a “Gyeonggi-style fair housing model” for young adults and newlyweds, including land-lease and long-term public rental options, to tackle high home costs. Urban Nature-Forward Design: Seoul’s Design International Forum will promote “life-centered design,” explicitly considering coexistence with plants and animals—not just people. Supply Chains for Critical Minerals: South Korea and Central Asian states agreed to deepen cooperation on supply chains, including critical minerals, smart infrastructure, and factory modernization ahead of a Korea-Central Asia summit. Policy & Security (Tech Protection): South Korea’s expanded espionage law took effect, widening espionage coverage to secrets handled for foreign countries—reflecting rising tech competition. Biodiversity & Forests Abroad: A satellite-based report warns Indonesia’s wood pellet boom for biomass power is driving deforestation and threatening biodiversity and Indigenous lands.