President Lee Jae Myung addressed the recent North Korean drone incursion on Monday, stating that an unprecedented civilian drone incident has occurred under this administration. He expressed regret to North Korea for the unnecessary military tensions caused by irresponsible and reckless actions.
This marks President Lee’s first public expression of regret regarding the North Korean drone incident.
During the 14th Cabinet meeting and 4th Emergency Economic Inspection meeting at the Blue House, he confirmed that National Intelligence Service personnel and active-duty military members were involved in the incident.
Lee emphasized that the Constitution and laws of South Korea prohibit individuals from privately provoking North Korea. He noted that such actions, even for national strategic reasons, should be approached with extreme caution, expressing disappointment in the individuals who engaged in these provocations.
The President stated that while it was not the government’s intention, he expresses regret to North Korea for the unnecessary military tensions caused by these irresponsible and reckless actions. He added that he extends his deepest sympathies to the residents of border areas who must have been greatly concerned by this incident.
President Lee directed relevant ministries to implement immediate institutional improvements and enforce measures to prevent similar incidents.
He stressed that as global conflicts shake the international order based on common rules and reciprocity, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are crucial. It must recognize that it’s responsible for maintaining this stability.
Blue House spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong explained that the President’s expression of regret is part of efforts to investigate the situation and establish institutional safeguards.
During a press briefing at the Chunchugwan, Kang noted that on January 20, the President instructed that measures be taken to prevent irresponsible illegal acts like the drone incident in border area management.
Kang added that in his March 1 speech, the President emphasized that the drone incursion, which occurred independently of government intentions, is a criminal act threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula and must never be repeated.
She concluded that recent investigations and task force results have been released. The President’s public expression of regret is part of the process of holding those responsible accountable and establishing preventive measures.