South Korea Expresses Regret Over Drone Incursions to North

SEOUL - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret on Monday over unauthorized drone incursions into North Korea, prompting a cautiously positive response from Pyongyang in a rare moment of diplomatic thaw between the divided nations.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Lee acknowledged that an investigation had uncovered involvement by a National Intelligence Service employee and active-duty military personnel in the incidents, which occurred between September 2025 and January 2026. He described the actions as irresponsible and reckless, violating South Korea's constitution, which prohibits provocations against the North. "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. He emphasized that the drones were sent by civilians acting against government policy, labeling their conduct an act of revolt against their own country.

North Korea, which had accused Seoul of serious provocation and reported shooting down the drones, responded through a statement by Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of leader Kim...