South China Sea Diplomacy: China hit back at the Philippines after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro read aloud a Chinese note at a Seoul Defense Dialogue, calling it “coercion, bullying and aggression,” while Beijing demanded Manila “stop lying.” North Korea-Russia Fallout: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un publicly praised troops serving overseas, widely read as support for Russia’s war, underscoring Pyongyang’s deeper military narrative. Cabinet Confirmation Politics: A presidential official said decisions on justice and gender equality minister nominees will come after confirmation hearings, as the Democratic Party escalated accusations of “illegal political schemes” tied to prosecution document leaks. Hormuz Deployment Review: Seoul’s government said troop deployment remains under review, with investigators assessing conditions in the UAE and planning a look in Bahrain amid public opposition. Foreign Students & Culture Boom: Foreigners studying or training in South Korea topped 500,000 in 2025, reflecting K-culture demand, while the education ministry expands Korean-teacher training hubs in Uzbekistan. Public Safety & Crime: Thai police arrested 12 Koreans in a voice-phishing operation targeting Koreans, and a court sentenced a foreign student to 18 months over 1,100 deepfakes. Economy & Markets: Bond yields rose after the Bank of Korea’s back-to-back rate hike, while oil prices above $100 and higher yields pressured Asian stocks. Industry & Tech: Axcelis plans a $35m semiconductor equipment plant in Pyeongtaek; DAPA backed arms exports at Poland’s MSPO; and Seoul-France ties advanced via an AI/defense/nuclear cooperation push.