On Wednesday, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back ordered a thorough investigation into the recent incident involving civilian drones infiltrating North Korea during a briefing with military intelligence and investigative agencies.
Minister Ahn issued this directive to Park Jeong-hun, acting head of the Criminal Investigation Command, during the New Year’s briefing held at the Defense Counterintelligence Command, which included reports from the Defense Counterintelligence Command, Defense Intelligence Command, and the Ministry of National Defense’s Investigation Bureau.
Notably, Ahn emphasized the need for reform measures to prevent the misuse of intelligence capabilities or their exploitation as political tools. This comes in light of recent allegations that the Defense Intelligence Command provided financial support to three civilian suspects, including two graduate students who claimed to have flown drones into North Korea.
North Korea had previously alleged on January 4 and in September of last year that South Korean drones had violated their airspace, capturing images of uranium mines, sedimentation sites, the Kaesong Industrial Complex, and border outposts. They demanded an apology for these incursions.
Following these claims, a graduate student in his 30s, identified as A, came forward, asserting responsibility for launching the drone. A joint military-police investigation is currently underway. Allegations have also surfaced that A and others involved in the incident received operational funds from the Defense Intelligence Command.
The joint military-police task force is investigating A and other civilian suspects, including B, who is reportedly a drone manufacturer and associate of A. President Lee Jae Myung has called for severe penalties, stating that it is unacceptable for civilians to infiltrate North Korean territory with drones.
The briefing also covered the progress and detailed plans for major organizational and functional reforms, including the restructuring of the Defense Counterintelligence Command and Defense Intelligence Command, as well as the transfer of counterintelligence investigative authority to the Investigation Bureau.