North Korea Threat Update: Kim Jong Un oversaw weapons tests and urged bolstering a “deadly and destructive” offensive posture, as Seoul simultaneously moved to expand drone and counter-drone forces. Drone Warfare Push: South Korea’s Defence Ministry says it will train 500,000 “drone warriors,” standardize drones for individual soldiers, and rely on domestically produced components while scaling counter-drone systems. Samsung Mega Investment: Samsung is set to unveil a 1,000 trillion won ($648b) decade plan with major chip and AI infrastructure spending, including a possible 300 trillion won push for a southwest semiconductor complex, aligning with President Lee’s regional development agenda. Market Shock Spillover: South Korea’s Kospi plunged again amid a broader Asia tech selloff after Apple’s price hikes and renewed worries about AI hardware demand, with circuit breakers triggered. Anti-Corruption Court Ruling: Ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to seven years in prison for bribery, with the court citing luxury gifts tied to political favors. Hormuz Tensions: Iran reiterated it can control shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after an attack near Oman, while traffic continued and UN escort operations were paused. Diplomacy & Security Debate: Yonhap hosted a symposium urging a practical, phased approach to the North Korean nuclear issue and renewed dialogue, as alliances face economic-security strain.