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Lee Orders Probe, Punishment Over Alleged Civilian Drone Flights Into North Korea

Seoul is scrutinizing suspected civilian flights for possible intelligence ties.

Overview

  • President Lee Jae Myung called the reported incursions tantamount to starting a war and directed a thorough investigation with stern punishment.
  • A joint military–police task force has questioned a graduate student surnamed Oh, who reportedly said he flew drones into the North three times since September 2025.
  • Investigators also identified another civilian suspected of making the drone, and both individuals are reported to have previously worked in former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s office.
  • Authorities are probing local media allegations that the Korea Defence Intelligence Command provided financial support, while the military says the drone was not one of its assets.
  • Lee rebuked Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back over detection gaps and ordered surveillance upgrades, as North Korea released debris photos, shared aerial images, and Kim Yo Jong pressed for an apology.