Strait of Hormuz Watch: South Korea’s presidential office says there’s still no final decision on deploying forces to the Strait of Hormuz, but it’s reviewing options for “military contributions” under conditions that protect readiness and follow domestic legal steps amid renewed U.S. pressure. Security & Diplomacy: North Korea is expected to send a vice minister-level official to the U.N. General Assembly later this month, with Kim Son-gyong likely to speak—raising attention on Pyongyang’s message as U.S.-North Korea dialogue talk grows. Industrial Policy: The government plans a state-backed venture investment arm modeled on the CIA’s In-Q-Tel, targeting a 50 billion won fund for security-tech startups tied to AI, semiconductors, space and defense. Economy & Trade: Seoul’s industry minister urged the U.S. to ease tariffs on equipment needed for Hyundai-POSCO’s $5.8 billion Louisiana steel mill, warning Korean investors face added costs under U.S. trade remedy rules. Local Governance & Public Safety: Seoul is stepping up crowd and traffic controls for the Sept. 5 fireworks festival, deploying 6,800 safety personnel and running real-time monitoring. Justice & Politics: A justice minister nominee faces fresh controversy after a recording surfaced alleging lobbying for COVID-19 trial approval. Corporate Labor: Samsung Electronics’ DX union plans an open-ended rally outside Chairman Jay Y. Lee’s home over wage talks and compensation gaps. Society: A South Korean man was sentenced to five years for spying for North Korea, including collecting information on defectors and attempting to recruit active-duty officers.