Youth Jobs Push: Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said the government will soon unveil detailed measures to revive youth employment after July data showed young people’s job prospects still lag, with manufacturing and construction hiring continuing to shrink. Regulatory Relief for Chips/AI: Seoul vowed to ease permit and other administrative rules to speed three semiconductor-and-AI megaprojects, including changing “one site, one permit” for chip clusters to unlock about 2.5 trillion won in investment. DPK Youth Backlash: The ruling Democratic Party is struggling to win over voters in their 20s and 30s as housing and policy controversies fuel anger, highlighted by backlash over a proposal to use retired buses as temporary youth housing. North Korea Missile Silence: Pyongyang launched another ballistic missile toward the East Sea and then stayed quiet, with South Korea saying it flew over 700 km—another move timed around major US-ROK drills. Nuclear Submarine Row: Seoul rejected North Korea’s claim that South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine push would destabilize the region, saying it is defensive and consistent with the NPT. Liberation Day Honors: Korea will award medals to 283 late independence fighters ahead of Aug. 15, including recognition for lesser-known figures such as women and workers. Seoul Housing for Young Adults: The city plans 74,000 youth homes by 2030, expanding eligibility near subway stations and adding rent-support policies for hundreds of thousands of young adults. Heatwave Fallout: The government is mobilizing supplies and discounts for farm, livestock and fishery products as extreme heat and drought damage crops and raise prices. AI in Public Sector: Samsung SDS said more ministries are adopting its Brity Works AI platform, expanding the tool’s use across government agencies.