North-South Relations: Why South Korea’s Minister Expressed Regret Over Drone Incidents

Daniel Kim 2026.02.11 Views

On the 10th, Minister of Unification Jeong Dong-young met with Dutch Foreign Minister David van Bailen at the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno, Seoul.

▲ Minister Jeong expressed deep regret to North Korea regarding the recent reckless drone incursions.

During a Mass for National Reconciliation and Unity at Myeongdong Cathedral today, Minister Jeong addressed the ongoing joint military and police investigation into the drone incident originating from South Korea. He also referenced the military’s drone operations during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.

This marks the first time a high-ranking government official has directly conveyed regret to North Korea concerning these incidents.

However, the expression of regret was delivered through a speech at an external event rather than an official statement or press release.

Minister Jeong stated, “The recent drone incident has once again disrupted our nation’s security.” He added that the joint military-police task force has launched investigations and conducted searches targeting civilians who operated the drones, as well as active-duty military personnel and National Intelligence Service employees suspected of involvement.

Criticizing the previous administration, he said, “They recklessly sent 18 drones to North Korea on 11 separate occasions, risking a potential outbreak of war.”

Minister Jeong emphasized, “Whether North or South, if we respect each other, we should refrain from hostile actions.” He recalled past instances of reconciliation, including North Korea’s supreme leader expressing regret over the 2020 shooting of a South Korean official in the West Sea, and North Korea’s deep regret in 2015 regarding injuries sustained by South Korean soldiers due to landmines.

He stressed the urgent need to reinstate the September 19 military agreement, which pledged to cease all hostile actions on land, sea, and air, to prevent such unfortunate incidents.

After his address, Minister Jeong told reporters that the expression of regret was a decision made by the Ministry of Unification, in response to questions about potential communication with the Blue House.

On January 14, during a briefing on subordinate agencies’ work, Minister Jeong stated that appropriate action would be taken once the investigation team’s results are available, regarding North Korean Deputy Director Kim Yo-jong’s demand for an apology over the drone incursions from South Korea.

Concerning the incident during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration when the military allegedly sent drones to Pyongyang, he said, “Once the court’s ruling is issued and the full truth about the drone incursions is revealed, our government will take appropriate measures.”

(Photo: Yonhap News)