Inter-Korean Diplomacy: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung used Liberation Day to urge Pyongyang to start direct talks to formally end the Korean War and discuss practical steps to halt North Korea’s nuclear advances, proposing a shift from the 1953 armistice to a peace regime. US–NK Signaling: US President Donald Trump posted throwback Panmunjom-era photos with Kim Jong-un, saying they “get along GREAT,” while the backdrop is Pyongyang’s sharp criticism of upcoming US-South Korea drills. Security Tensions: North Korea warned the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise is a “rehearsal for aggressive war” and vowed a “new level of deterrent,” as Seoul and Washington prepare for the drills. Russia Ties: Putin told Kim that Russia and North Korea are coordinating across all areas to ensure regional security and stability, calling the partnership “unprecedented.” Crypto/Legal Pressure: Bybit sued North Korea’s Lazarus group over a $1.5B hack, seeking asset freezes and restrictions on dealings tied to the stolen funds. Financial Crackdown Abroad: Nigeria’s SEC ordered capital market firms to suspend dealings linked to North Korea and Iran, including cutting correspondent banking relationships. Local Culture (Human Angle): A Cheonan restaurant, Geuni Sikdang, is drawing attention for serving rarer North Korean dishes like eobok jaengban.