Wi Sunglak on 'North Korean Infiltration Drone' Issue: "Not Government's; If Sent by Civilians, It's Illegal"

"Cannot Overlook as It Violates Current Laws and the Armistice Agreement"
"Must Respond Calmly and Rationally"
"Punishment Must Be Imposed If There Is a Possibility"

National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak stated regarding North Korea's claim of a South Korean drone incursion, "We have determined that neither the military nor the government was involved," adding, "Sending a drone to the North would violate current laws and the Armistice Agreement, so we cannot simply overlook it."

Yonhap News Agency

At a briefing held at the Osaka Press Center in Japan on January 14, Wi said, "There are some who are engaging in wishful thinking, suggesting this could be an opportunity to improve inter-Korean relations, but from our working perspective, we have not gone that far. When it comes to North Korea, we must respond calmly, rationally, and with composure." The government has formed a joint military-police investigation team to conduct an inquiry, following President Lee Jaemyung's directive.

Wi also stated, "If there is a possibility of punishment, then punishment should be imposed." He explained, "We are not at the stage of conducting a joint investigation with North Korea; we are still in the process of determining what happened on our side. Once we identify who sent it and how, we will consider our next steps." He emphasized, "We must take into account not only contact with North Korea but also the legal system, the armistice regime, and the overall easing of tensions between the two Koreas."

Regarding aspects to be considered, he added, "We must also remember that North Korea has sent drones to us in the past. They have sent them to the Blue House and to Yongsan. That, too, is a violation of the Armistice Agreement."

As for whether the restoration of the September 19 Military Agreement is under review, he said, "Restoration is one of the guidelines, so we are reviewing it and holding necessary discussions," but clarified, "No final decision has been made; discussions are ongoing." He added, "It will take time, as we need to coordinate internal opinions and develop plans for any resulting issues."