South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed regret to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday over drones sent into its territory this year, actions he called "irresponsible".

Seoul initially denied any official role in the January drone incursion – with authorities suggesting it was the work of civilians – but Lee said a probe had revealed government officials had been involved.

The DPRK warned in February of a "terrible response" if it detected more drones crossing the border from the South, prompting Seoul to investigate the claims.

It said a drone carrying "surveillance equipment" had been downed in early January.

Photos released by state media showed the wreckage of a winged craft scattered across the ground alongside grey and blue components that allegedly included cameras.

"It has been confirmed that a National Intelligence Service official and an active-duty soldier were involved," Lee told a cabinet meeting.

"We express regret to the [DPRK] over the unnecessary military tensions caused by the irresponsible and reckless actions of some individuals."

He added that South Korea's constitution bans private individuals from conducting acts that could provoke its northern neighbour.

"Such actions, even when deemed necessary for national strategy, must be approached with extreme caution," he said.

Lee has sought to repair ties with the DPRK since taking office last year, criticising his predecessor for allegedly sending drones to scatter propaganda over Pyongyang.

His repeated overtures, however, have gone unanswered.

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol, is standing trial over charges that his administration sent drones across the border to provoke a backlash and create a pretext for declaring military rule.

Yoon was impeached and ousted from office last April and has been sentenced to life in prison over his declaration of martial law.

Lee's expression of regret follows DPRK leader Kim Jong-un labelling Seoul as the "most hostile state" in a policy address in March in which he vowed to "thoroughly reject and disregard it".

Kim also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the country's nuclear arsenal, describing it as an "irreversible course". (AFP)



Edited by Cecil Wong