A graduate student in his 30s is facing potential arrest for repeatedly launching drones into North Korea.
On Thursday at 10:30 a.m. (South Korean time), Judge Bu Dong-sik of the Seoul Central District Court will conduct a pre-arrest hearing for the suspect, identified only as Mr. Oh, who stands accused of general treason and related charges.
Mr. Oh allegedly conducted four test flights with drones programmed to depart from Ganghwa Island in Incheon, traverse North Korean territory through Kaesong and Pyongsan, before returning to Paju in Gyeonggi Province.
The joint military-police task force investigating the case believes Mr. Oh’s actions were motivated by potential economic gains from the drone industry. They requested an arrest warrant on February 19, which was promptly filed by the prosecution.
At approximately 10:07 a.m. (South Korean time), Mr. Oh arrived at the courthouse unrestrained. He remained silent in response to reporters’ questions regarding the allegations and proceeded directly into the building.
A decision on Mr. Oh’s detention is expected to be reached by late afternoon.