South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret over drone flights into North Korea, citing unnecessary military tension with Pyongyang. The remarks came during a Cabinet meeting following the indictment of three individuals for flying drones into North Korea between September and January. The indicted individuals include a graduate student, an employee of the National Intelligence Service, and a military officer.
Lee clarified that the actions were not government-sanctioned but acknowledged the negative impact on military relations with North Korea. He emphasized the need for caution in any actions that could provoke North Korea, even if deemed necessary for national strategy. Lee condemned the unauthorized drone incursions as provocative and unacceptable.
Addressing concerns of residents near border areas, Lee highlighted the anxiety caused by the incident and called for a review of regulations to prevent similar occurrences. Amid global uncertainties, he stressed Seoul’s role in maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula. Despite attempts to resume dialogue with Pyongyang, North Korea has labeled South Korea as the “most hostile state.”
