DMZ Mine Blast: South Korea says a Sept. 21 explosion that injured three officers in the DMZ was “highly likely” caused by North Korean landmines, citing a joint probe with the UN Command and details like the blast site’s proximity to areas where Pyongyang was believed to have recently planted mines; Seoul also says it will take “corresponding measures” if confirmed and hold Pyongyang “fully” responsible. POW Transfer Diplomatic Row: Seoul demanded an official apology from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that Ukraine transferred two North Korean POWs to South Korea, with South Korea alleging a confidentiality agreement was breached and summoning Ukraine’s acting ambassador to press for clarification and regret. North Korea Defections Hit New Low: Reports say defections to South Korea have fallen sharply, with one account describing escape as “currently impossible” amid Kim Jong Un’s crackdown. Cyber Fallout Linked to North Korea: Crypto exchange Bitget resumed withdrawals in phases after a suspected North Korea-linked breach that reportedly drained about $387–388 million, with Bitget saying its user protection fund would cover losses. Russia-North Korea Military Context: Coverage continues to highlight deepening Russia-North Korea ties and the role of North Korean troops in Russia’s war, feeding regional security concerns.