North Korea Threat Update: Kim Jong Un watched weapons tests and demanded a “deadly and destructive” offensive posture, as South Korea simultaneously ramps up drone defenses. Drone Arms Race: Seoul says it will train 500,000 “drone warriors,” expand counter-drone systems, and deploy tens of thousands of unmanned units across frontline forces, relying on domestically made parts. Security Policy Debate: At a Yonhap forum, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young urged a phased approach to the North Korean nuclear issue instead of “denuclearization first,” while a former envoy said a Trump-Kim summit could be key. Markets Volatility: Tech-led selloffs hit Asia hard; South Korea’s Kospi plunged about 8% and triggered circuit breakers, with chip giants Samsung and SK hynix leading the drop. Big Business Push: Samsung is set to unveil a record 1,000 trillion won AI-and-chip investment plan, aiming to expand production and infrastructure beyond Seoul. Court & Politics: Ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to seven years for bribery tied to political favors. Local Incident: A man in his 70s was arrested after a sickle attack in central Seoul. Sports (World Cup): South Korea’s coach Hong Myung-bo said he’s “puzzled” by the team’s struggles after the 1-0 loss to South Africa, while Bafana Bafana prepare for Canada in the Round of 32.