World Cup Fallout: South Korea’s World Cup group-stage exit has turned into a national backlash, with fans booing and chanting “Hong out!” as coach Hong Myung-bo resigned after the team’s 1-0 loss to South Africa; captain Son Heung-min followed up with an apology, saying he’s “indescribably hurt” and urging fans to support the team. AI & Chips Push: Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are pouring in 3,200 trillion won for a massive memory-chip expansion tied to the AI boom, aiming to double capacity in five years and accelerate new fabs in the Yongin cluster—while markets watch for what happens if AI spending cools. Energy & Trade: Seoul secured a reduced EU tariff-free steel quota cut of 19.7% (to 2.07m tons) under the bloc’s new regime, and downgraded South Korea’s crude oil security warning to “caution” after diversifying supply routes. Defense & Space: The 4th test launch of the solid-fuel “Mir” rocket was indefinitely postponed over safety issues, while Seoul also says it tracked North Korea’s June 25 missile launch in real time with the U.S. Renewables & Industry: KHNP-led consortium was picked as preferred bidder for an 800MW Jeonbuk offshore wind project phase, and Karpowership began construction of new “Sea Lion” powerships. Culture & Lifestyle: Calvin Klein opened a new Seongsu lifestyle boutique, and a Michelin Guide-rated Tongue and Groove Joint continues to draw attention in Seoul.