South Korean President Orders Full Probe of Civilian Drone Incursion Alleged by North Korea

Updated 2026-01-20 02:33:40+00:00 (18 articles)

Lee Commands Comprehensive Probe Into Drone Incident President Lee Jae Myung announced a full investigation after North Korea accused Seoul of drone incursions in September and on Jan. 4, labeling the act a breach of sovereignty. He warned that such flights could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and emphasized accountability for any perpetrators. Lee suggested that a lone civilian acting independently was “hard to imagine,” hinting at possible involvement of state institutions. The directive was delivered during a Cabinet meeting and reiterated in multiple briefings[1][2].

Joint Military‑Police Team Questions Civilian Suspect joint military‑police investigation team summoned a civilian suspect on Jan. 16, though the individual’s identity remains undisclosed. Police have interrogated the suspect about whether the drone actually entered North Korean airspace and about its purpose. The inquiry continues, with authorities stating that findings could lead to “stern measures” if wrongdoing is confirmed. Both the Jan. 20 and Jan. 16 reports confirm the ongoing questioning[3][4].

Seoul Denies Military Drone Use, North Korea Shows Photo South Korean officials repeatedly denied that the aircraft were military models, insisting they were civilian drones. North Korea’s state news agency published a photo it claims shows a South Korean drone shot down near Kaesong, reinforcing Pyongyang’s sovereignty claim. Seoul’s military emphasized that no military‑type drones were involved, while the North maintained its accusation of repeated incursions. The contrasting narratives appear across all four articles[1][2][3][4].

President Criticizes Defense Minister, Calls for Restraint Lee publicly rebuked Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back for failing to detect the drone activity, describing a “hole” in the surveillance system despite technological advances. He urged all agencies to avoid unnecessary escalation that could damage the economy and inter‑Korean relations. The president stressed that restraint was essential while the probe proceeded. This criticism and the call for restraint were highlighted in the Jan. 20 coverage[1].

Channel A Interview Reveals Pollution‑Monitoring Claim An interview on Channel A featured a man in his 30s who said he sent the drone to North Korea to measure heavy‑metal pollution and radiation at a uranium facility in Pyongsan County. He identified the civilian suspect as an acquaintance who built the drone and offered aerial footage as evidence. The interviewee pledged cooperation with police, adding a civilian‑motivated purpose to the incident. This perspective appears only in the Jan. 16 report, providing a unique civilian rationale[3].