The Korea Defence Intelligence Command (KDIC) has been confirmed to have contacted a private company known for sending drones to North Korea since 2024. This civilian drone deployment reportedly began even before former President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a state of emergency, raising suspicions that intelligence authorities may have intentionally turned a blind eye to these activities.
Intelligence Command’s Ties to Drone Company Since 2024 Spark Allegations of North Korean Deployment Complicity
Government sources reveal that the KDIC has maintained ongoing communication with a medium-sized drone design and manufacturing firm since 2024. This company was co-founded by two individuals: a man in his 30s, identified as A, who claimed responsibility for drone deployments, and B, who was named as the drone manufacturer. A reportedly serves as a director, while B is said to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
An intelligence officer reportedly initiated contact with the company after learning it was established in December 2022, following North Korea’s drone incursions into South Korean airspace. The founders’ consistent involvement in conservative groups since the Park Geun-hye administration, along with their hardline stance on North Korea, were cited as key factors in the decision to engage with them.
The intelligence officer allegedly received and reviewed photographs of North Korean territory from the company, suggesting that the firm may have already deployed drones to North Korea prior to establishing contact with the KDIC. While A stated in a media interview that drone deployments occurred three times between September of last year and early January this year, evidence suggests that civilian drones may have been operating in North Korean airspace as early as 2024.
Reports indicate that the intelligence officer repeatedly requested information from the company and provided compensation. Newstapa previously reported on Monday, citing security sources, that A operated a front company for military operations with KDIC support. The report claimed that the KDIC provided approximately 10 million KRW (about 6,790 USD) in funding to establish online media outlets NK Monitor and Global Insight, which primarily cover North Korean affairs.
If these allegations prove true, it may be necessary to include key personnel from both the company and the KDIC in the joint military-police investigation. The frequency of drone deployments and the extent of the Intelligence Command’s involvement will likely determine the scope and severity of any potential penalties.
Some analysts speculate that the KDIC may have used this company to assess the strategic viability of sending drones to North Korea in preparation for the so-called Pyongyang Drone Incident. The military previously disclosed that under the Yoon administration, 18 drones were sent to North Korea in 11 separate instances between October 3 and November 19, 2024.
Lack of Oversight: Signs of Discord Between NIS, KDIC, and Drone Company
However, another source indicated that there is no evidence to suggest that an intelligence officer directly ordered the company to deploy drones or engaged in specific deployment discussions. It remains unclear whether these activities fall outside the typical scope of intelligence agency operations.
This source also reported friction between the intelligence officer and the company. The company allegedly conducted drone activities targeting North Korea more frequently than necessary, prompting the officer to report management issues and lack of control to superiors.
Additionally, C, who served as a North Korea specialist director at the company, reportedly switched from regular communication with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to the KDIC due to higher compensation. This development raises concerns about potential lapses in the operations of agencies responsible for national security.
The joint investigation task force (TF) examining this incident has reportedly expanded its scope to include the KDIC’s level of involvement. On Monday, Park Sung-joo, head of the National Investigation Agency, suggested during a press briefing that their current findings may not represent the full picture.
During a cabinet meeting, President Lee Jae Myung addressed claims of national agency involvement, expressing disbelief at the apparent ease with which drone deployments towards North Korea were conducted. He called for a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences and emphasized the need for strict penalties.
