DMZ Security: South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff says a North Korean land mine was “very highly likely” behind the Sept. 21 DMZ blast that injured three officers, pointing to mine fragments and materials that don’t match typical South Korean mines; the military says it will take “corresponding measures” if Pyongyang is confirmed to have planted it, while further investigation continues. Diplomatic Fallout: Seoul is also locked in a major row with Ukraine over the transfer of two North Korean POWs—Kyiv denies a confidentiality deal existed, while Seoul demands an apology and explanation, turning the issue into both a domestic and international political test for President Lee Jae-myung. Housing & Economy: New data shows Seoul jeonse prices rising at the fastest pace in 15 years and rental supply shrinking as higher taxes and rates cool deals, adding pressure to household finances. Labor Safety: A foreign worker died after concrete collapsed at a Seoul construction site in Seocho, prompting a serious accident probe and scrutiny of possible safety-law violations. Energy/Industry Watch: LNG Canada moves ahead with Phase 2 expansion, while South Korea’s defense and tech ecosystem continues to draw attention amid broader regional security and AI-content policy discussions. Public Opinion: A Gallup Korea/IPUS poll finds 81.8% of South Koreans view the two Koreas as separate states, with liberals more likely than conservatives to expect military provocation.