Cybersecurity Crackdown: South Korea launched a round-the-clock response after open-source AI-linked attacks hit seven banks, exposing 65,000+ customer records and prompting emergency financial-sector probes. DMZ Tensions: Seoul says North Korea planted mines behind a DMZ blast that injured soldiers, while Pyongyang rejects blame and Seoul vows continued mine-clearing unless the North removes them. Alaska LNG Dispute: Trump escalated pressure, saying Seoul could face “double” charges if it won’t back Alaska LNG; South Korea says no final commitment was agreed and insists on commercial viability. Sports & Military Service Row: Asian Games gold sparked backlash over athletes’ remarks about military exemptions; Tottenham’s Yang Min-hyeok apologized after comments tied victory to avoiding service. Housing & Lending: Banks’ household lending curbs have been changed nearly 150 times in 20 months, as regulators try to rein in home prices. Crypto & Markets: Chainalysis says South Korea leads East Asia crypto activity at $449.1B, with AI tokens driving retail trading; Seoul stocks also moved with global rate-hike jitters. Local Culture: A shark that wandered into Busan’s canal became a celebrity, drawing hundreds of thousands and even prompting city plans for how to handle it.