DMZ Mine Blast Accountability: South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff says fragments and materials from the Sept. 21 DMZ explosion “very likely” match North Korean mines, not South Korean ones, and vowed “corresponding measures” if Pyongyang planted them; Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul added the found resin antipersonnel mine was “buried” and linked to Pyongyang’s border fortification, while investigators also found additional North Korean mines near the site. Inter-Korean Nuclear Messaging: Pyongyang used UN channels to argue the U.S. is driving nuclear proliferation and warned that South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine push is part of a U.S.-led nuclear alliance. Russia-North Korea Military Link: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claimed Russia already hosts over 8,000 North Korean troops and is preparing another 10,000 for deployment, as Putin signed a decree authorizing a further Russian force expansion. Seoul–Kyiv POW Diplomatic Row: South Korea said it reached a “clear understanding” with Ukraine to keep the transfer of two North Korean POWs confidential, pushing back against Kyiv’s denial and demanding explanations/apologies. Public Mood in the South: A Gallup Korea/IPUS poll found over 80% of South Koreans view the two Koreas as separate states and under 40% say unification is necessary, with distrust and skepticism about dialogue rising. North Korea–China Connectivity: Reports say the New Yalu River Bridge between Dandong and Sinuiju could open in early October, easing transport to a key North Korea partner.