U.S. Alliance: Seoul’s envoy in Washington reported progress in intelligence cooperation but said key strains remain. South Korea and the U.S. plan defense talks after November’s midterm elections, while a meeting expected to address wartime command transfer may be delayed. President Lee has urged diplomacy that protects national interests, not a submissive stance. North Korea: Pyongyang’s latest missile test reportedly covered more than 910 kilometers, days after Seoul tested its first homegrown hypersonic weapon. The launches have sharpened security concerns as U.S. forces call for more dispersed drills. Alaska LNG: President Trump again said South Korea had pledged $50 billion to the Alaska project; Seoul says participation is undecided and still requires feasibility and contract reviews. Domestic Policy: Lee is recasting population policy around quality of life as well as birthrates. Separately, the nominee to lead the new major-crimes agency pledged political neutrality at an 11-hour confirmation hearing. Cybersecurity: AI-assisted attacks reportedly exposed personal data at South Korean financial firms, prompting fresh scrutiny of banks’ defenses and the privacy regulator’s oversight.