North Korea Diplomacy Watch: South Korea’s top security adviser Wi Sung-lac said Seoul will closely coordinate with Washington so any restart of U.S.-North Korea dialogue delivers real progress on the nuclear issue, while warning against Seoul being sidelined or security posture getting lax. Defense Drills: Despite recent U.S. exercise cutbacks, Seoul says the U.S. and Japan will join South Korea for the Freedom Edge multi-domain drills Sept. 7-11 off Jeju, focused on North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats. Trilateral Readiness: A separate Seoul briefing also confirms Freedom Edge runs Sept. 9-11 in international waters, underscoring continued interoperability even as diplomacy prospects dim. Nepal-Tibet Flood Crisis: Himalayan flash floods triggered by a glacial collapse have killed at least 359 in Nepal with 1,400+ missing across Nepal and Tibet, as rescuers race against worsening risks from debris-blocked lakes. Domestic Accountability: South Korea will re-examine about 310,000 missing-person cases after a scandal involving falsified closures, with Jeju police investigating a suspected mishandling case tied to a woman’s death. Markets & Tech: The National Pension Service posted a 27% return in H1, boosted by domestic stocks and semiconductors, while investors watch chip momentum after Nvidia’s upbeat outlook. Semiconductor Investment: SK hynix marked the start of a $4 billion Indiana chip packaging push, targeting HBM4E mass production in late 2029. Consumer Tech: Apple’s iPhone 17 remains the top seller globally, but reports suggest the next iPhone launch timing could shift. Sports Spotlight: Golfer Sei Young Kim shot 8-under 64 to take the first-round lead at the FM Championship in Boston.