Inter-Korean Peace Plan: South Korea’s new North Korea policy white paper puts “peaceful coexistence” at the center, stressing respect for Pyongyang’s system, rejecting absorption, and avoiding hostile acts—while warning that the biggest near-term danger is the collapse of inter-Korean communication channels and risk-reduction mechanisms. US-ROK China Friction: Pyongyang and Seoul are both reacting to US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson’s “dagger in the heart of Asia” remark, with North Korea calling the US a “war empire” and Seoul saying it has raised concerns with Washington. Japan’s Security Shift: Japan’s move away from post-war pacifism is accelerating under Sanae Takaichi, with expanded military and intelligence capabilities framed as a response to China, Taiwan, and North Korea. North Korea Cyber Theft: A North Korea-linked macOS intrusion campaign (“Sapphire Sleet/BlueNoroff”) targets crypto and finance firms using social engineering and malicious “Zoom SDK update” scripts. Domestic Pressure in Pyongyang’s Economy: North Korean authorities are pressuring wealthy traders (“donju”) to donate rice to the state under “patriotic rice,” described as coercive rather than voluntary. Sports Diplomacy: Kim Jong Un honored Naegohyang Women’s FC after their AFC Women’s Champions League win, tying athletic success to “patriotism.” Russia-North Korea Links: Demand for flights between Pyongyang and Moscow is rising, with officials discussing possible new routes ahead of SPIEF.