Textbook crisis in Bishkek: President Sadyr Japarov has ordered an extra 7 billion soms to tackle Kyrgyzstan’s long-running school textbook shortage, after officials said funding rose but demand still outpaced supply. Authorities also launched an investigation into claims that free textbooks meant for public schools are ending up for sale in markets, and the Education Ministry must publish per-school delivery numbers and deadlines. School supply chain scrutiny: The printing firm Uchkun says market prices are far lower than allegations (170 soms listed vs. claims of 1,400), while the ministry has banned Uchkun from selling textbooks to private schools. Korea-Central Asia cultural and science ties: Kyrgyzstan and South Korea signed 19 agreements after the Seoul summit, spanning customs, investment, urban development, energy, critical minerals, halal certification, and labor migration. Separately, Kyrgyz and Korean officials discussed expanding science, tech, and AI cooperation, including joint labs and researcher exchanges. Culture on screen: Bishkek held the national premiere of the historical feature film “Zhusup”, marking major independence-era anniversaries and spotlighting Jusup Abdrakhmanov’s role in Kyrgyz statehood. Youth and sports: Kyrgyz junior billiards players won bronze at the European U18 Championship in Batumi. Dead-zoning travel trend: A new “dead zoning” travel style is trending—remote trips with no signal or Wi‑Fi for real digital detox. Montana-Kyrgyz youth culture links: Kyrgyzstan and the US state of Montana plan to expand cooperation in youth policy, education, sports, culture, and film, including possible Culture Days and Film Days.