South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on April 6 expressed regret after the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intruded into North Korean airspace, emphasizing that this was not an action directed by the government.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Mr. Lee Jae Myung said that the incident stemmed from "irresponsible and reckless actions by some individuals", causing unnecessary military tensions. He affirmed that Seoul is committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.
According to the investigation results of South Korean officials, an employee of the National Intelligence Service and a military officer in active service are involved in the incident. Mr. Lee Jae Myung emphasized that the country's Constitution does not allow personal provocations against North Korea.
Previously, Pyongyang declared that aircraft flying from the South had violated airspace and called this a serious provocation, and said it had shot down these UAVs.
South Korea denied any military involvement and conducted a joint military-police investigation. As a result, prosecutors prosecuted a man in his 30s on charges of violating aviation laws and national security related to unauthorized flights.
In recent months, North Korea has considered South Korea the most hostile country and has not responded to approach efforts from Mr. Lee Jae Myung's administration.
