Inter-Korean Accountability: A Seoul court ordered North Korea to pay 44.6 billion won (about $32.5 million) for the 2020 demolition of the inter-Korean liaison office in Kaesong, marking the first time Seoul sought damages directly from the North. Justice System Update: The Seoul High Court acquitted former President Yoon Suk Yeol again of perjury in an appellate ruling tied to his testimony during the Han Duck-soo insurrection trial. Reproductive Health Policy: The government said it plans to formally allow abortion pills for pregnancies up to nine weeks, with phased rollout starting at hospitals and later shifting to doctor prescriptions and pharmacy dispensing. Housing & Transport: A land/infrastructure minister nominee pledged to speed housing supply and tackle permit delays amid rising prices, while a Seoul city bus strike was averted after a last-minute wage deal. Central Asia Push: President Lee Jae Myung met Tajikistan’s leader and agreed to upgrade ties to a comprehensive partnership, as Seoul hosts a first Korea–Central Asia summit focused on minerals, supply chains, and connectivity. Diplomacy & Security: South Korea’s foreign minister is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, with investment and possible Strait of Hormuz cooperation expected to top talks.