Central Asia Diplomacy: President Lee Jae-myung is set to host the first Korea–Central Asia presidential summit next week as Kazakhstan’s Tokayev arrives in Seoul for a state visit, with both sides moving to elevate ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signing 13 deals spanning energy, atomic cooperation, labor mobility, digital and culture. Public Communication: Lee will hold his seventh press conference on Sept. 18, with focus on housing, approval ratings, and South Korea’s potential role in Strait of Hormuz security. Local Labor Flashpoint: Seoul’s city bus workers plan a general strike starting 4 a.m. Wednesday after wage talks failed, prompting the city to deploy up to 1,500 free shuttle buses and boost subway service during rush hours. Aging & Care Policy: Seoul launches a pilot post-discharge nursing care service for seniors, covering eligible households up to 2.4 million won per person to ease “dual caregiving.” Regional Security Coordination: Defense chiefs of South Korea and Japan agreed on defense cooperation based on “mutual understanding,” while relations remain strained after Japan’s shrine visit controversy. Tourism Push: Seoul runs “Hospitality Weeks” from Sept. 19 to Oct. 11, including airport welcome programs and heritage pass perks.