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South Korean Court Seeks Arrest Warrant for Drone‑Flight Graduate Amid No‑Fly Zone Push

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  • Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Investigators carry items seized from a raid on a university in Seoul attended by a graduate student allegedly behind recent drone flights to North Korea on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Investigators carry items seized from a raid on a university in Seoul attended by a graduate student allegedly behind recent drone flights to North Korea on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Investigators carry items seized from a raid on a university in Seoul attended by a graduate student allegedly behind recent drone flights to North Korea on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Defense ministry spokesperson Chung Binna speaks during a regular press briefing, in this file photo from Dec. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
    Defense ministry spokesperson Chung Binna speaks during a regular press briefing, in this file photo from Dec. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Defense ministry spokesperson Chung Binna speaks during a regular press briefing, in this file photo from Dec. 16, 2025. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (R) shakes hands with Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, during their meeting at the Ministry of Unification in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by Chung's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (R) shakes hands with Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, during their meeting at the Ministry of Unification in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by Chung's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (R) shakes hands with Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, during their meeting at the Ministry of Unification in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by Chung's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Investigators carry items seized from a raid on a university in Seoul attended by a graduate student allegedly behind recent drone flights to North Korea on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Investigators carry items seized from a raid on a university in Seoul attended by a graduate student allegedly behind recent drone flights to North Korea on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Investigators carry items seized from a raid on a university in Seoul attended by a graduate student allegedly behind recent drone flights to North Korea on Jan. 21, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (R) shakes hands with Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, during their meeting at the Ministry of Unification in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by Chung's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (R) shakes hands with Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, during their meeting at the Ministry of Unification in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by Chung's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (R) shakes hands with Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, during their meeting at the Ministry of Unification in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by Chung's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Feb. 18, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Defense ministry spokesperson Chung Binna speaks during a regular press briefing, in this file photo from Dec. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
    Defense ministry spokesperson Chung Binna speaks during a regular press briefing, in this file photo from Dec. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Defense ministry spokesperson Chung Binna speaks during a regular press briefing, in this file photo from Dec. 16, 2025. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Arrest warrant requested for graduate student orchestrating drone incursions Prosecutors asked a Seoul court on Feb 20 to issue an arrest warrant for a 30‑something graduate student surnamed Oh, accused of directing four test drones that crossed the Kaesong and Pyongsan regions of North Korea before returning to Paju [1].

Four flights launched from Ganghwa Island between September and February Investigators say the drones took off from Ganghwa Island in Incheon, flew northward in September, Jan. 4, and twice more up to Feb 2026, allegedly to evaluate performance for a commercial venture [1][7][8].

Seoul moves to reinstate 2018 no‑fly zone and seeks EU backing Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young announced plans to revive the suspended 2018 inter‑Korean no‑fly zone, consulting the United States and requesting active support from the European Union to bolster peace initiatives [2][5][11].

North Korea’s senior official praises pledge, warns of severe repercussions Kim Yo‑jong, sister of Kim Jong‑un, thanked Seoul for its commitment to stop drone incursions, pledged tighter border vigilance, and warned that any repeat breach would bring “terrible consequences” [7][8][9].

Broad investigation targets seven suspects and seized university equipment The task force has placed seven individuals, including Oh and six others linked to drone production and alleged military contacts, under investigation; a raid on a Seoul university on Jan 21 seized related materials [1].

Sources

Timeline

2018 – South Korea and North Korea sign an inter‑Korean military agreement that creates a no‑fly zone along the DMZ, prohibiting aircraft within 15 km east and 10 km west of the border to curb aerial incidents [8][9][6].

Sep 2023 – Seoul establishes the Drone Operations Command after a North Korean UAV breaches South Korean airspace, centralising detection and response to unmanned aircraft [12].

2023‑2024 – Both Koreas suspend the 2018 no‑fly zone amid heightened tensions, including North Korean balloon campaigns and a South Korean spy‑satellite launch, leaving the border airspace unregulated [6][8].

Oct 2024 – Under former President Yoon Suk‑yeol, the Drone Operations Command allegedly launches drones toward Pyongyang to provoke a pretext for a planned martial‑law declaration; four senior officers later face disciplinary action [10][29].

Sept 27, 2025 – North Korea claims a South Korean drone entered its airspace near Kaesong and was forced down by electronic warfare, releasing photos of the downed UAV [25][19].

Jan 4, 2026 – North Korea says it downed a South Korean drone over a border town using electronic warfare, describing the craft as carrying two cameras and warning of “unforgivable hysteria” [3][4].

Jan 10, 2026 – Pyongyang accuses Seoul of conducting border drone flights, reiterating the Jan 4 incident and the Sept 27 incursion, and threatens “consequences” for what it calls “warmongers”; President Lee Jae Myung orders a thorough investigation [3][4].

Jan 12, 2026 – South Korea’s Defense Ministry pledges a swift joint military‑police probe into the drone allegations, while the presidential office reiterates no intent to provoke the North; Kim Yo‑jong demands a detailed explanation [21][23][25].

Jan 12, 2026 – The first closed‑door hearing in former President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s trial takes place, charging him and senior officials with aiding the enemy for the alleged Oct 2024 drone dispatch intended to trigger martial‑law [20].

Jan 14, 2026 – Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young says Seoul will act after the drone probe’s results and urges restoration of inter‑Korean dialogue; National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac notes internal talks on reviving the 2018 border pact [18][17].

Jan 15, 2026 – Chung Dong‑young pledges a swift response to North Korea’s drone claims and highlights the upcoming U.S. President Trump‑China visit in April as a “decisive moment” for peace talks [16].

Jan 16, 2026 – President Lee Jae Myung orders a joint military‑police investigation into the North Korean drone accusations, emphasizing Seoul’s “no provocation” stance and continued trust‑building efforts [15].

Jan 20, 2026 – President Lee condemns a civilian suspect’s drone flight toward the North as “unacceptable,” and police raid the homes and offices of three suspects linked to the alleged flights [14][13].

Jan 22, 2026 – A special advisory committee proposes dismantling the Drone Operations Command and creating a Joint Operations Command to integrate drone duties across services, citing overlap and the 2024 martial‑law drone scandal [12].

Jan 23, 2026 – South Korean authorities place travel bans on three civilians, including graduate student Oh, amid an investigation into four drone missions launched from Ganghwa Island into North Korean territory; the probe follows North Korean complaints about September and Jan 4 incursions [2][11].

Jan 27, 2026 – North Korea launches suspected ballistic missiles toward the sea, a test interpreted as showcasing weapons progress ahead of the Workers’ Party congress, which may embed a hostile “two‑state” system into the party constitution [1].

Feb 5, 2026 – The Defense Ministry convenes a disciplinary committee to consider sanctions against four senior generals tied to the Oct 2024 drone operation that formed part of Yoon’s aborted martial‑law plan [10].

Feb 18, 2026 – South Korea announces plans to reinstate the 2018 no‑fly zone, banning aircraft within 15 km east and 10 km west of the DMZ, framing the move as a security priority ahead of the upcoming party congress [8][9].

Feb 19, 2026 – North Korea’s Kim Yo‑jong says she “highly appreciates” Seoul’s pledge to prevent further drone incursions, while warning that the border must be “firmly guarded” [7].

Feb 19, 2026 – The Defense Ministry states it will restore the no‑fly zone while preserving military readiness, consulting the United States and noting the pact’s suspension in 2024 after balloon and satellite disputes [6].

Feb 20, 2026 – Prosecutors request an arrest warrant for graduate student Oh, accused of orchestrating four drone flights from Ganghwa Island into North Korean airspace, charging him with benefiting the enemy and violating aviation safety laws [5].

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