Seoul Stocks Surge on Chip Rally: Korea’s KOSPI opened sharply higher Thursday, led by gains in major chipmakers as U.S. AI-linked tech stocks rose overnight; Youth Jobs Push: Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said the government will soon unveil detailed measures to revive youth employment after July data showed young people’s job prospects weakening; Central Bank Turns to Gold: The Bank of Korea disclosed it holds over $250 million in a U.S. gold ETF, its first gold investment in 13 years; Tax Probe Hits KB Kookmin Bank: Korea’s tax agency launched a special investigation into the lender, sending investigators to secure records; Regulation Easing for Megaprojects: Seoul vowed to cut administrative hurdles to speed three semiconductor/AI megaprojects; North Korea Missile Silence: Pyongyang did not announce its latest ballistic missile launch, with South Korea saying it flew over 700 km amid rising tensions around upcoming drills; KFA Apology Over Sex-for-Referees Claims: The Korea Football Association apologized for “various controversies,” including allegations of paying for sexual services for foreign referees; Jeju 4.3 Cave Heritage Bid: Darangshi Cave is under final consideration for national cultural heritage status, tied to the Jeju 4.3 truth-and-reconciliation movement; Seoul Drone Show Returns: Three Han River drone light shows are scheduled this fall, including a Disney/Marvel-themed finale with 2,000 drones.