Inter-Korean Peace Push: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met former President Moon Jae-in and vowed to revive the earlier liberal “peace policy,” saying Seoul will restore Moon-era reconciliation and renewable energy directives. Party Unity Politics: Lee and Moon also used the lunch to project ruling-party unity ahead of the Aug. 17 Democratic Party convention, amid factional jockeying. POW Swap Pressure: Ukraine’s FM Andrii Sybiha says Russia proposed swapping two North Korean POWs for thousands of Ukrainians held in Russia, while Seoul and Kyiv stress any resolution must follow international law and the prisoners’ free will. Human Rights Naming Row: South Korea’s human rights watchdog says the Unification Ministry mishandled defectors’ terminology after switching to “North Korean-born citizens.” Sanctions Evasion Glimpse: Russia reportedly seized a North Korean peanut shipment in a rare sanctions-compliance case, pointing to new trade channels. China Ties Reaffirmed: Kim Jong Un sent Xi Jinping a message calling China–North Korea ties “unbreakable,” signaling balance amid deeper Russia cooperation. Russia–NK Connectivity: Russia and North Korea plan a direct cross-border bus route linking Vladivostok and Rason after a bridge completion. Military Commemoration: North Korea highlighted Korean War “victories” in state media ahead of the armistice anniversary, with speculation of a parade. Deterrence Tech: South Korea’s Cheonryong “Sky Dragon” long-range missile cleared its first technical flight test, aimed at strengthening defenses against North Korea’s fortified sites. Culture/Propaganda: North Korea schools reportedly increased ideology sessions focused on Kim Jong Un’s achievements, reducing emphasis on earlier leaders. Tourism Contrast: Aegibong Starbucks in Gimpo draws visitors who look toward North Korea, underscoring the stark divide across the Han River.