Housing & Finance Watch: South Korea’s government is worried that the semiconductor boom could pour huge liquidity into an already overheated housing market, with estimates pointing to up to 53 trillion won in bonus cash and low-interest employee housing loans from Samsung and SK hynix. Cinema Industry Shock: Megabox JoongAng’s corporate rehabilitation filing is rattling Korea’s film ecosystem, raising fears that problems at one of the big multiplex players could ripple into production and distribution. Foreign Fraud Spike: Fraud targeting foreigners nearly quadrupled over two years, with K-pop merchandise scams rising alongside broader fraud schemes. Alliance & Defense Oversight: The U.S. Senate’s push for tighter reporting on OPCON transfer has reignited debate over sovereignty and alliance management, with Seoul and Washington stressing readiness. THAAD Update: All six THAAD launchers reportedly returned to the Seongju base after being moved to Osan amid speculation about Middle East redeployment. Seoul Daily Life: Lunch culture in Seoul’s office districts is shifting as more workers head to sleep cafes for short naps instead of traditional restaurant breaks. Korea-Uzbekistan Ties: Seoul and Tashkent used a business forum to expand cooperation beyond infrastructure into supply chains, advanced industries, and aviation, with a Korea Chamber of Commerce branch planned. World Cup Focus: North Korea skipped World Cup results involving South Korea, the U.S., and Japan in its state broadcasts.