The Blue House announced on Sunday that it would investigate and promptly disclose the findings related to North Korea’s allegations of a South Korean drone incursion.
The National Security Office (NSO) reaffirmed that the South Korean government has no intention of provoking or antagonizing North Korea.
The NSO stated that following an initial military assessment, a joint military-police investigation would be carried out to determine the facts of the drone incident, with the results to be released swiftly. The office emphasized that the government would continue to pursue practical measures to ease tensions and build trust between North and South Korea.
Sources said the NSO convened a meeting with key government agencies, including the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and law enforcement authorities.
The Blue House noted that actions are being taken in accordance with presidential directives, but declined to confirm whether a specific meeting took place.
Kim Yo Jong, deputy director of the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee, stated in Rodong Sinmun that she personally viewed the South Korean Ministry of National Defense’s official position of having no intention to provoke the North as a prudent choice.
However, Kim insisted on a detailed explanation regarding the drone that allegedly violated North Korean airspace from South Korean territory, raising questions about Seoul’s accountability.
On Saturday, the Ministry of National Defense responded to the North’s General Staff statement, saying the South Korean military does not possess such drones and did not operate any during the timeframe cited by North Korea. The ministry added that it would thoroughly investigate the possibility of civilian drone operations.
President Lee Jae Myung also addressed the possibility of civilian drone involvement, noting that if confirmed, it would constitute a serious crime threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula and national security. He ordered a swift and rigorous investigation by a joint military-police task force.
A Blue House official told News1 thatthey would closely monitor the entire investigation process, adding that the incident was unlikely to escalate inter-Korean relations, given that it did not involve a military operation.