Joint Military‑Police Probe Initiated by President Lee South Korea’s president Lee Jae Myung ordered a combined police‑military fact‑finding team on Jan. 12 to examine Pyongyang’s drone accusations, and the agencies began fieldwork the same week [1][2][5]. The investigation is framed as a swift truth‑seeking effort to determine whether any South‑based actors crossed the border [1][5]. Officials said the probe will assess possible civilian involvement and report findings to the unification ministry [4][5].

North Korea Accuses Seoul of Sovereignty Violations Pyongyang released images it said showed South Korean drones equipped with surveillance gear on Sept. 27, 2025 and Jan. 4, 2026, labeling the flights “violations of our sovereignty” [1][5]. Kim Yo‑jong publicly demanded a detailed explanation from Seoul and warned of further diplomatic steps [1][5]. The North also announced a reshuffle of the three chief guard units protecting Kim Jong‑un, linking the changes to the heightened tension [1].

Seoul Denies Military Involvement, Cites Civilian Possibility The South Korean defense ministry reiterated that its armed forces did not operate the drones cited by the North and suggested private or civilian operators might be responsible [5][1]. The joint probe therefore includes a review of civilian flight logs and possible non‑state actors [4][5]. This stance is consistent across all five reports, which emphasize the lack of official military participation [2][3].

South Korean Government Emphasizes De‑Escalation and Future Action Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young said Seoul will take “corresponding action” once the fact‑finding team completes its work, while continuing broader efforts to lower tensions and restore inter‑Korean dialogue [4][5]. He hinted that an apology for a 2024 drone dispatch could be considered pending legal outcomes [4]. The administration also mentioned reviewing the 2018 military‑tension‑reduction pact as part of its post‑probe response [2].