PS5 – Infinite Loading Screen, New Characters Won't Load

Hello. I am playing Path of Exile 2 on PS5.

I have a critical problem: infinite loading screen on character selection. I hear the game music running in the background, but the loading never completes and the gears keep spinning.

What I have already tried (and it did NOT help):
- Restarting the console and unplugging it for 5 minutes
- Changing Gateway server to Amsterdam and Frankfurt (manual, not Auto)
- Restoring licenses on PS5
- Creating new characters (they also do NOT load)
- Clearing cache and rebuilding database on PS5
- Uninstalling and reinstalling the entire game

Nothing works. The game is completely unplayable.

Please help. My PSN ID: surreal_ferry51