On February 10th, Minister of Unification Jeong Dong-young expressed deep regret over the recent reckless drone incursion from North Korea.
He conveyed this sentiment during his address at a mass for national reconciliation and unity held at Myeongdong Cathedral that evening. This marks the first time a high-ranking South Korean official has publicly expressed regret to North Korea regarding drone incidents.
The Ministry of Unification clarified that Minister Jeong’s statement specifically addresses the drones North Korea allegedly sent on January 4 and in September of the previous year. On January 13, Kim Yo-jong, deputy director of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, demanded an apology from Seoul authorities over the drone incursions.
“The recent drone incident has once again disrupted our peaceful daily lives,” Jeong stated. He added, “Today, the joint military-police task force has added charges of general treason to the existing aviation safety law violations for three civilians who launched drones into North Korean territory. They have also filed charges against active-duty military personnel and National Intelligence Service employees, conducting searches and seizures.”
Jeong highlighted that North Korea had previously expressed regret and promised to prevent recurrences following both the 2015 DMZ landmine incident and the 2020 shooting of a South Korean official in the West Sea.
He criticized the ‘Pyongyang drone infiltration’ that occurred during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, describing it as “an act that provoked attacks against the South.” He called it “a reckless and extremely dangerous action that could have led to war, a deeply regrettable incident that must never be repeated.”
Jeong emphasized the urgency of reinstating the September 19 military agreement, which pledged to halt all hostile actions on land, sea, and air. He stressed, “We must cease all aerial hostilities immediately.”
When asked if his expression of regret regarding North Korea’s drones was coordinated with the presidential office, Jeong responded, “This was a decision made by the Ministry of Unification.”
Addressing the 10th anniversary of the Kaesong Industrial Complex’s closure, Minister Jeong described the unilateral shutdown as “a foolish decision that eroded inter-Korean trust and left a deep wound in the hearts of our citizens.” He expressed “profound regret” over this matter.
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