Possibility of Civilian Drone in North Korean Infiltration... President Lee: "If True, a Serious Crime; Strict Investigation Ordered"

"Threat to Peace and Security on the Korean Peninsula, Form a Joint Military-Police Investigation Team for a Thorough Probe," President Orders
Presidential Office Convenes NSC Working-Level Meeting
North Korea Claims South Korean Drone Infiltration... Military Says "No Such Drone Exists... Civilian Investigation Underway"

President Lee Jaemyung has ordered the formation of a joint military-police investigation team to conduct a swift and thorough investigation, following allegations that a civilian may have operated a drone in connection with North Korea's claim of drone infiltration.

Yonhap News Agency

According to the presidential office on January 10, President Lee stated, "If it is true that a civilian operated the drone, it constitutes a serious crime that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula and national security," and issued the directive accordingly. Previously, the presidential office convened a working-level meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) in response to North Korea's claims of South Korean drone infiltration. The meeting, chaired by Kim Hyunjong, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, reportedly discussed the circumstances surrounding North Korea's claims and potential response measures.

Earlier that day, a spokesperson for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army in North Korea issued a statement alleging that South Korea had infiltrated drones in September of last year and again on the 4th of this month. North Korea claimed that these drones took off during the day in border areas restricted to civilians and passed through all South Korean military surveillance equipment, adding, "It is not difficult to guess who is behind this."

Yonhap News Agency

In response, the Ministry of National Defense denied any involvement by the South Korean military in the alleged drone infiltration and stated that it would thoroughly investigate the possibility that the drones were operated by civilians. Kim Hongcheol, Director-General for National Defense Policy, announced the ministry's stance on the North Korean General Staff's statement regarding the drones, saying, "The initial investigation found that our military does not possess the drones in question, nor did we operate drones at the times and dates specified by North Korea."

Kim further explained, "Regarding the possibility that drones were operated by civilians, we plan to conduct a thorough investigation in cooperation with relevant government agencies." He also emphasized, "We have no intention of provoking or agitating North Korea, and we will continue to take practical measures and make efforts to ease tensions and build trust between the two Koreas."

Yonhap News Agency

The Ministry of Unification also held an emergency executive meeting in the afternoon, presided over by Vice Minister Kim Namjoong, to assess the situation and discuss countermeasures. After the meeting, the ministry stressed, "We will continue consistent efforts, together with relevant agencies, to ease tensions and build trust between the two Koreas."