North Korea Naval Build-Up: Kim Jong-un commissioned its second 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, calling for a “nuclear-armed navy” as US-South Korea-Japan drills begin near Jeju. US-ROK-Japan Drills: Seoul, Washington and Tokyo kicked off the five-day Freedom Edge exercise in international waters, framing it as defensive deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. DP Security Debate: Ruling Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok urged Seoul to strengthen independent security ahead of any possible “freeze-first” approach to North Korea’s nukes, arguing reliance on the US is no longer enough. Hormuz Pressure and Backlash: Iran warned South Korea that any Strait of Hormuz involvement—combat or noncombat—would be treated as participation in war, while Seoul weighs options under US calls for allied support. Justice Minister Nominee Probe: Justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won denied illegal COVID-19 drug lobbying, saying he only urged faster review and that prosecutors deferred indictment after finding no unlawful solicitation. Seoul After Fireworks: The Seoul International Fireworks Festival drew about 1 million people but left roughly 10 truckloads of trash, with Hanwha citing heavy safety staffing and costs. Nepal Flood Response: South Korea’s disaster team and Nepalese forces rescued a Chinese worker from a tunnel at a hydropower site, as search continues for nine missing Koreans. Tourism and Culture: Seoul promoted “SEOUL NIGHT MARKET” in Hanoi, while arrivals data showed South Korea’s Guam tourism share down 37.3% year-on-year in early August.