South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has expressed regret over drone incursions into North Korea earlier in 2026, following an official investigation linking state personnel to the operation.
“It has been confirmed that a National Intelligence Service official and an active-duty soldier were involved,” Lee told a cabinet meeting. “We express regret to the North over the unnecessary military tensions caused by the irresponsible and reckless actions of some individuals.”
He added that South Korea’s constitution bans private individuals from conducting acts that could “provoke the North.” “Such actions, even when deemed necessary for national strategy, must be approached with extreme caution,” he said.
The apology comes amid heightened inter-Korean tensions, after North Korea claimed it had downed a surveillance drone and warned of a “terrible response” to further incursions.
• South Korea probe confirms involvement of intelligence and military personnel
• North Korea claims drone carried surveillance equipment and issued retaliation warning
• Kim Jong Un recently labelled Seoul the “most hostile state” and reaffirmed nuclear policy
Relations remain strained, with no response from Pyongyang to Seoul’s recent diplomatic overtures.
Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh
tut0ugh 