South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Expresses Regret Over Unauthorized Drone Incursion Into North Korea

SEOUL — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed regret over an unauthorized drone incursion into North Korean airspace, calling it irresponsible and without government approval.

The incident involved a National Intelligence Service employee and an active-duty military officer, an investigation has found. It took place amid heightened tensions between the two Koreas, following North Korea's claim in January that South Korean drones had violated its airspace and were subsequently shot down by Pyongyang.

South Korean authorities denied any official military involvement in the matter. They indicted a South Korean man in his 30s on violations of aviation and national security laws.

President Lee emphasized that the actions were carried out by individuals and did not reflect government policy. He highlighted that South Korea's constitution prohibits individual acts of provocation against North Korea.

The president's remarks come as Seoul seeks to distinguish between personal initiatives and official positions, particularly during periods of elevated inter-Korean tensions. The case underscores ongoing efforts to address unauthorized activities that could escalate bilateral frictions.