I really think this could be in-fighting for the third Nobel prize spot (if it turns out to be legitimate). I pointed this out in another comment, but the first two authors are the the LK-99 material namesake and will likely always be the first two authors.

"YW Kwon" published the first paper with himself as the 3rd author, and "HT Kim" published the second paper a few hours later with himself as the 3rd author.

Pretty interesting drama if that's the case. May indicate neither paper was ready, but that they all think the result is legitimate.

I’m guessing the second. Nothing in the interview suggests that he doesn’t stand behind the data. Sounds like he’s taking a wait and see approach and it’s a very good sign that he’s offering to help other researchers try to replicate