Coupang Data Breach Fallout: South Korea’s privacy watchdog fined Coupang 625 billion won (about $409m) for a massive customer data leak affecting 33+ million people, citing failures to detect the breach within the legal 72-hour window and illegal personal data collection. US-SK Diplomatic Tension: The foreign ministry said it will explain the decision to Washington to prevent the penalty from turning into a broader dispute with American tech firms. Alliance Signaling on North Korea: Seoul and Washington reaffirmed extended deterrence, including nuclear-related consultation and integration steps, after their Nuclear Consultation Group meeting. EU Condemns DPRK-Russia Ties: President Lee and EU leaders in Brussels condemned North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia and reiterated support for complete denuclearization. Election System Shockwaves: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok called for sweeping National Election Commission reforms after the ballot shortage scandal, while students across universities renewed protests focused on protecting political rights. Korea-EU Steel Talks: Lee asked the EU for “favorable consideration” as the bloc prepares to cut tariff-free steel quotas and raise duties on excess volumes. Defense Industry Move: Hanwha Ocean was selected for the KDDX destroyer detailed design and lead ship construction contract, beating HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in DAPA scoring. Economy Under Pressure: Korea’s employment fell by 40,000 jobs in May year-on-year, the first drop in 17 months, as Middle East-driven disruptions weigh on manufacturing.