South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday apologized to Pyongyang after a drone entered North Korean airspace earlier this year, calling the incident “irresponsible” and saying it unnecessarily raised military tensions.
Seoul initially denied state involvement in the January incursion and suggested civilians might be responsible. A subsequent probe, however, found that government personnel took part. Lee said investigators identified a National Intelligence Service official and an active-duty soldier as involved, and noted South Korea’s constitution prohibits private individuals from actions that could provoke the North.
In February, Pyongyang warned it would deliver a “terrible response” if more drones crossed into its airspace, prompting Seoul to examine the claims more closely. Lee said the government did not intend the incident and expressed regret that the reckless actions of a few created tension between the countries.
Lee stressed that operations—even those argued as part of national strategy—must be handled with extreme caution to avoid unintended escalation.
The apology comes amid Lee’s broader effort to improve ties with North Korea, efforts that so far have been rebuffed. In March, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described Seoul as the “most hostile state” in a policy speech and vowed to reject and disregard its overtures. Lee’s expression of regret appears aimed at reducing friction, though Pyongyang has continued to respond coldly to the president’s outreach.