World Cup Fallout: South Korea’s World Cup group-stage exit has turned into a national flashpoint. Captain Son Heung-min posted an apology saying he’s “indescribably hurt” and vowed to “win the hearts” of fans, as head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned and protesters booed him on his return to Incheon. Semiconductors & AI: Samsung and SK Hynix are pushing ahead with massive AI-memory expansion, with President Lee praising the chairmen as “national heroes” and plans aimed at doubling memory capacity in five years—while analysts warn of a painful reckoning if AI spending cools. Energy & Industry: Seoul secured a reduced EU tariff-free steel quota after the bloc cut overall volumes, and downgraded its crude oil energy security warning to “caution” after diversifying supply routes. Renewables: KHNP-led consortium was named preferred bidder for Jeonbuk’s 800MW offshore wind expansion phase 1, moving toward an implementation deal. Defense & Diplomacy: South Korea and Ukraine held “constructive” talks on two North Korean POWs captured in Russia’s Kursk region, with Seoul seeking transfer under humanitarian and international law. Space: South Korea indefinitely postponed the next test launch of its solid-fuel rocket “Mir” over safety issues found during final preparations.