North Korea Missile Escalation: North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, with the second flying over 600 km, prompting South Korea to convene emergency security meetings and share tracking data with the U.S. and Japan. U.S.-China Summit Pressure: The launches came ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, underscoring Pyongyang’s push amid shifting regional military dynamics. Justice System Shake-Up: Opposition lawmakers demanded a timeline behind Democratic Party justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won’s withdrawal after allegations involving a complaint delivered to the presidential office before confirmation steps. AI Talent Military Alternative: South Korea is reviving an alternative military service route for AI and science researchers at large corporate labs starting in 2027, after a 14-year pause, with limited slots now allocated to major firms. Jeonse Housing Strain: Seoul’s jeonse deposits are again climbing, with some districts seeing deposits beyond 1 billion won as listings tighten and tenant burdens rise. Seoul Culture Night: The city will expand late-night access and programs at major cultural venues to five days a week, adding evening events like museum yoga and night history walks. Sports Spotlight: South Korea ended a 12-year men’s basketball gold drought at the Asian Games, beating Japan 67-57 behind Lee Hyun-jung’s standout performance.