Police Accountability: President Lee Jae Myung demanded stronger police accountability after Jeju missing-person cases sparked outrage, saying responsibility must match the force’s growing investigative role; authorities say four missing people were found dead and allegations include improper closures by one officer, prompting a review of 298 reports and detention of the suspect officer. Food Safety: South Korea tightened checks on Chinese cabbage and kimchi after formaldehyde concerns, saying eight tested cabbage shipments showed no detectable formaldehyde and that every China shipment will be tested during customs clearance while products from all manufacturers already sold are being checked. Demographics: Births rose 15.6% in June to 23,111, the fastest June increase on record, with the total fertility rate edging up to 0.88 as marriages recover and more women in their 30s have children. Housing & Finance: Fixed-rate mortgages fell to a 12-year low as borrowers shift to variable rates, with fixed-rate shares at 31.9% of new loans in July; business sentiment improved for a second month in August, while corporate bond issuance slipped 6.3% in July. Energy & Industry: The fire agency will inspect 163 data centers for battery and electrical fire risks starting Sept. 1, and the Fair Trade Commission revised gas-station contracts so stations can buy up to 40% of monthly fuel from rival refiners. Defense & Security: South Korea said Russian military aircraft entered its air defense identification zone over the East Sea and fighter jets were scrambled in response.