South Korean president apologises to North Korea over drone incident

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret to North Korea on April 6 regarding a drone incident.

In his address, Lee emphasised that the drone incident was carried out by a private South Korean citizen without government approval, and reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to preventing similar events in the future, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

“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.

Sources indicate that an investigation by South Korean authorities revealed the involvement of a National Intelligence Service (NIS) officer and an active-duty military member in the incident.

South Korea’s constitution strictly prohibits any provocative actions toward North Korea.

In January, Pyongyang claimed that drones from South Korea violated its airspace, accusing Seoul of a serious provocation and reporting that the drones were shot down.

Seoul has categorically denied any military intervention and launched a joint investigation involving the military and police.

Following the probe, prosecutors charged a 30-year-old South Korean citizen with violating aviation regulations and national laws related to unauthorised drone flights.

In recent months, North Korea has labelled South Korea its “most hostile state” and rejected attempts by Lee’s administration to establish dialogue.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov