South Korea Urges Stronger Drone Controls After North Korea Incident

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday called for tighter drone detection systems and monitoring mechanisms after a civilian drone allegedly crossed into North Korean airspace, an incident he said could escalate Korean peninsula tensions and damage South Korea economy.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee said South Korea must address weaknesses in its ability to detect and track civilian drones, particularly those operated near sensitive border areas.

He warned that unauthorised drone activity could be misread by Pyongyang as a deliberate provocation, increasing risks to inter-Korean relations.

• Lee Jae-myung urges tighter drone controls after border incident
• Seoul probes civilian drone crossing amid North Korea security warning
• Drone incident raises risks of escalation on the Korean peninsula

North Korea earlier this month claimed a drone from the South entered its territory and conducted aerial surveillance, releasing photographs of buildings and debris it said were taken from the aircraft. Pyongyang demanded an explanation and warned of consequences if similar incidents recur, citing concerns over North Korea security.

Lee confirmed that South Korean authorities are investigating the incident and have summoned a civilian suspect for questioning as part of an ongoing drone investigation. He said any individual found responsible could face criminal charges, stressing that private actions should not be allowed to create national security risks. “Such acts can be interpreted as hostile and may heighten tensions on the Korean peninsula,” Lee said.

The president added that incidents involving drones are no longer minor technical issues, as the technology has become cheaper, more accessible and harder to detect. He called for improved coordination between defence, aviation and law enforcement agencies to prevent drones from entering restricted airspace, especially near the South Korea North Korea border.

The issue comes amid already strained inter-Korean relations. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, earlier urged Seoul to conduct a full investigation and prevent further border incidents, warning against military escalation risks.

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Lee, who took office pledging a more stable approach toward North Korea, said preventing accidental provocations was essential for regional security and economic confidence. He said South Korea must ensure civilian technologies do not undermine diplomatic and military stability, particularly during a period of heightened sensitivity on the peninsula.