AI Push in Government: Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered the interior ministry to build a system so civil servants can freely develop and apply AI, share results, and earn rewards, aiming to make 2027 the year AI-driven public work ramps up. Economic Snapshot: South Korea’s revised real GDP grew 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in Q2, with exports up 1.3% and private consumption up 0.4%, while nominal GDP jumped 26.4% year-on-year. Markets & Debt Watch: Analysts warn South Korea’s top commercial banks face worsening loan asset quality as non-performing assets deepen, and the national debt is projected to reach 1,734 trillion won by 2030. Defense & Diplomacy: President Lee Jae Myung reiterated peace efforts via trust and dialogue backed by “firm deterrence,” while North Korea commissioned a new destroyer and warned against US-led drills; Iran also warned Seoul that any Strait of Hormuz military role would bring “serious consequences.” Regional Cooperation: Busan, Ulsan and Gyeongnam launched a joint talent and employment project through 2029, with 12.5 billion won this year. Safety & Transport: The Coast Guard raided firms over the Busan tugboat capsizing and is still searching for six missing crew members.