The joint military-police task force is making swift progress in its investigation of North Korea’s alleged drone infiltration from South Korea, having identified a key suspect.
North Korea, which had initially demanded an apology and stated it would monitor the investigation’s outcome, has refrained from mentioning the drone incident since January 13, seemingly observing the situation. Kim Yo-jong, deputy director of the Workers’ Party, made North Korea’s last official statement on January 13, insisting that South Korea acknowledge and apologize for the provocative acts infringing on the sovereignty. This suggests that North Korea is waiting for the South Korean government to announce its findings and any subsequent actions.
According to News1’s comprehensive report, the military-police task force has rapidly narrowed its focus since questioning a person of interest, referred to as Mr. A, on January 16 regarding the drone dispatch.
Mr. A was previously investigated for a drone crash incident in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, last November. At that time, police found no national security concerns and only charged him with violating aviation security laws. The drone operated by Mr. A in Yeoju is reportedly the same model that recently entered North Korean airspace.
On the same day Mr. A was questioned, a graduate student in his 30s, identified as Mr. B, voluntarily approached the media, claiming responsibility for flying the drone into North Korea. He stated that Mr. A merely assisted in constructing the drone.
Mr. B explained his motive, saying he wanted to capture footage of a uranium plant near North Korea’s Yesong River to verify radiation levels. He added that he thought it was acceptable to fly it because he had a legitimate reason. He didn’t intend to photograph any South Korean military assets.
Mr. A and Mr. B are alumni of a private university in Seoul and have a close working relationship. They co-founded a drone manufacturing company with university support, with Mr. A serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Mr. B as a director.
The two previously established a conservative youth organization and reportedly worked together on contract at the presidential office during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.
Investigators have not yet disclosed whether the two conspired or their exact motives. The task force is expected to question Mr. B in the near future.
Some analysts speculate that this incident may be more than individual misconduct, possibly a coordinated effort to provoke a military response from North Korea.
Of particular interest is that both Mr. A and Mr. B worked at the presidential office during Yoon’s tenure. Former President Yoon is currently on trial for allegedly planning to deploy drones over Pyongyang in October 2024 to justify declaring a state of emergency.
With the Government Mentioning Reciprocal Measures, North Korea’s Response Is Likely to Vary Accordingly
North Korea is currently maintaining a cautious stance. While they publicly highlighted the drone incident on January 10 to pressure South Korea, they appear to be monitoring the situation as the South Korean government swiftly conducts its investigation.
On January 10, North Korea’s General Staff claimed that a South Korean drone had entered its airspace.
The South Korean government quickly confirmed that the drone was not of military origin and took immediate steps to manage the situation. However, the following day, Kim Yo-jong rebutted, stating that even if a private organization or individual was responsible, the authorities in charge of national security cannot evade accountability. A concrete explanation of the facts is necessary.
Two days later, on January 13, she issued another statement demanding an apology from the government, regardless of the investigation results, and harshly criticized South Korea’s hopes for improved inter-Korean relations as a pipe dream and an impossible delusion.
On January 14, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young suggested that the government would take corresponding actions once the joint military-police investigation concludes.
The government is reportedly considering various possibilities and multiple follow-up measures as the investigation continues.
Given the government’s swift investigation and mention of subsequent actions, North Korea is expected to closely monitor South Korea’s response before formulating its strategic reaction.