Korean Economy & Markets: Seoul stocks slid again late Thursday morning as oil prices stayed above $100 a barrel, stoking inflation worries ahead of key U.S. data; the KOSPI fell 1.28% to 6,961.23 with tech and auto shares leading the drop. Monetary Policy: A Bank of Korea board member said the central bank will judge both external and internal conditions, including the impact of its last two rate hikes, before deciding the timing and pace of any further tightening. North Korea & Security: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un publicly praised troops serving overseas during the 78th founding anniversary, reinforcing Pyongyang’s narrative around its Russia-linked deployments. South Korea-Japan Defense Ties: Former Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba visited LIG Defense & Aerospace to review Cheongung-II systems and discuss expanding South Korea-Japan defense industry cooperation. Corporate/Regulation: The Fair Trade Commission began deliberations on Korean Air cases, including alleged obstruction of an investigation tied to the Asiana takeover. Tech & Consumer Life: Apple announced its foldable iPhone Duo will go on sale in South Korea on Oct. 23, with prices starting at 3.29 million won. Global Crime Watch: Thai police detained 12 Koreans in a voice-phishing scam probe, with Seoul’s foreign ministry providing consular support. Culture & Sports: South Korea’s U-20 women’s team was knocked to the bottom of its group after a 3-1 loss to Ghana; the team now faces Ecuador in its final group match.