World Cup Shockwave: South Korea kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback over Czechia in Guadalajara, with Hwang In-beom equalizing and substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the winner in the 80th minute, after Czechia took the lead via Ladislav Krejci’s header—sending Korea to the top of Group A alongside Mexico. Legal Fallout in Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for ordering drone operations over Pyongyang in 2024, a move prosecutors say was meant to provoke North Korea and justify his failed martial law bid; his legal team has filed an appeal. Markets & Risk Mood: Seoul stocks jumped more than 4% as investors cheered hopes for an end to the U.S.-Iran war, while analysts warned chip-led gains may not yet be feeding into broader domestic demand. AI Industry Push: Nvidia’s Seoul visit highlighted new partnerships tied to South Korea’s AI buildout, including memory and gigawatt-scale cloud plans, as questions linger about the real cost and who benefits. Labor Disruption: A concrete mixer drivers’ strike threatens delays to major semiconductor construction, including Samsung and SK hynix chip plant projects. Tech & Finance Watch: Global banks are reportedly curbing hedge fund leveraged bets on SK Hynix and Samsung after their sharp rally. Local Culture & Travel: Guam’s tourism board pitched the island as a “Wellness Island” destination to Korean travelers in Seoul, while BTS released “Come Over” ahead of its FESTA celebrations.