Seoul’s admission over drone scandal, it raises unnecessary military tensions

लगानी न्यूज

२३ चैत्र २०८२, सोमबार १४:५७April 6, 2026

. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea has apologized for Pyongyang in its first outspoken admission over a drone spree to North Korea earlier this year.

President Lee Jae-myung on Monday described the incident as an “irresponsible” and “reckless” move, adding to unnecessary military tensions.TAG_OPEN_div_30

Seoul initially said it had no official involvement in the January drone incident, indicating it could be the work of a private individual.TAG_OPEN_div_28 But the latest investigation has confirmed the involvement of people associated with government agencies, Li told a cabinet meeting. According to him, it has been proven that an officer of the National Intelligence Service and an active soldier were involved in this incident.

North Korea reacted strongly in February, warning of “dire consequences” if the drones re-entered its territory.TAG_OPEN_div_26 Pyongyang said it had shot down a drone carrying a “surveillance device” in early January, with images of the wreckage that appeared to be cameras attached.

President Lee expressed regret to North Korea for the tensions caused by the reckless decisions of some people and said that such activities should be conducted with the utmost caution.TAG_OPEN_div_24 “South Korea’s constitution prohibits private individuals from inciting North Korea,” he said, adding that any national security measures should be taken responsibly.

Lee, who has been in office since last year, has been trying to improve relations with North Korea.TAG_OPEN_div_22 He has criticized his predecessor’s administration for sending propaganda materials to Pyongyang that have escalated tensions. However, there has been no positive response from North Korea to his diplomatic proposals.

Former President Yoon TAG_OPEN_div_20 Suk Yeol has been accused of serious crimes. He is on trial on charges of deliberately sending drones into North Korea to create tension and use them as a pretext to declare military rule. Yoon, who was removed from office after his impeachment in April last year, was sentenced to life in prison for declaring martial law.

Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared in a policy speech in March that he would “completely reject” South Korea, calling it “the most hostile state”.TAG_OPEN_div_18 He also described the country’s nuclear programme as an “irreversible path” and pledged to continue taking it forward.

Relations between the two Koreas have been strained for a long time.TAG_OPEN_div_16 The 1950-53 war ended in an armistice without a peace treaty, and the two countries are technically still at war. Therefore, with compulsory military service in both countries, there is still a risk that even a small incident could lead to a major conflict.