TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday expressed regret to Pyongyang after a drone entered North Korea earlier this year, calling the act "irresponsible."
Initially, Seoul had denied the role of the government in the drone incursion, which took place in January, and suggested it was the work of civilians. However, Lee said an investigation found that government officials had been involved in the incident.
In February, Pyongyang warned of a "terrible response" if it found more drones transgressing the airspace, which compelled Seoul to investigate the claims.
What Did Lee Say?
"Although it was not our government's intention, we express our regret to the North over the fact that unnecessary military tensions were caused by the irresponsible and reckless actions of some individuals," Lee said during a cabinet meeting.
"It has been confirmed that a National Intelligence Service official and an active-duty soldier were involved," Lee said.
He added that South Korea's constitution bans private individuals from conducting acts that could "provoke the North."
"Such actions, even when deemed necessary for national strategy, must be approached with extreme caution," he said.
Lee has been trying to mend ties with Pyongyang, however, his repeated overtures have consistently been brushed off.
Lee's expression of regret comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un labeled Seoul the "most hostile state" in a policy address in March in which he vowed to "thoroughly reject and disregard it."
Read: France, South Korea to Work Together on Reopening Hormuz
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Fact Check: Turkish Helicopters Headed to Iran in Viral Video Is False
3 jam lalu
Fact check - The video circulating online is part of South Korea's military air show rehearsal for 77th Armed Forces Day, October 1, 2024, in Seoul.
Beauty as Strategy: Why K-Beauty Is Also a Political Success
1 hari lalu
K-beauty is more than just a cosmetics trend. South Korea has combined popular culture, innovation and national strategy to create a business model.
France, South Korea to Work Together on Reopening Hormuz
2 hari lalu
France and South Korea agree to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease global economic uncertainty caused by the Iran war.
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo Secures Rp574tn Investment from Japan, South Korea
3 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
10 Indonesia-South Korea MoUs Signed, Valued at Rp173 Trillion
3 hari lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's Visit to South Korea resulted in 10 memoranda of understanding.
Prabowo's South Korea Visit Secures $10.2 Billion in Investment Deals
3 hari lalu
The investment agreements cover strategic sectors including solar power, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and other renewable energy projects.
Prabowo Salutes Indonesian Worker for Heroic S. Korea Wildfire Rescue
3 hari lalu
President Prabowo praised an Indonesian migrant worker for rescuing seven elderly residents from a wildfire in South Korea in March 2025.
Meeting Prabowo, Lee Jae Myung Raises Indonesia's LNG Supply
3 hari lalu
President of South Korea Lee Jae Myung wants Indonesia and South Korea to expand cooperation in stable energy supply and resource security.
Prabowo Talks KF-21 Fighter Jet Project Continuation During Korea Visit
3 hari lalu
Prabowo emphasized his commitment to sending a team to South Korea in response to the KF-21 development cooperation agreement.
Cross-Border Payments Grow as Indonesia's QRIS Launches in South Korea
4 hari lalu
Previously, QRIS payment services could be used in several countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5390165/original/033586000_1761235850-Persib_Bandung_1.jpeg)
