South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has publicly expressed regret over a drone that entered North Korean airspace earlier this year, calling the incident “irresponsible and reckless” and acknowledging the unnecessary military tensions it triggered.

Speaking during a cabinet briefing on Monday, President Lee said the incursion, which occurred on January 4, 2026, was not sanctioned by his government. “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,” he stated.

Lee confirmed that a government investigation had implicated a National Intelligence Service (NIS) official and an active-duty soldier in the matter. The President reiterated that South Korea’s constitution forbids private individuals from undertaking actions that could provoke the North, emphasizing that such operations must be handled with extreme caution even when considered necessary for national strategy.

The drone, according to North Korean authorities, was shot down near the border city of Kaesong after reportedly capturing footage of military and border facilities. Pyongyang had previously accused Seoul of another unauthorized drone flight in September 2025.

Initially, South Korean officials attributed the flights to civilian operators. However, a subsequent military-police probe revealed that at least three civilians, supported by the NIS employee and active-duty soldiers, carried out multiple drone operations between September 2025 and January 2026. Some of the implicated officials have been referred to prosecutors.

The President’s apology comes amid ongoing efforts to ease inter-Korean tensions, even as Pyongyang has repeatedly dismissed South Korea’s overtures. In March, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un labeled South Korea the “most hostile state” and vowed to reject engagement.

President Lee’s remarks are aimed at preventing further unauthorized actions in sensitive border regions and signaling a commitment to cautious diplomacy.