South Korean officials announced on 10/2 that they are investigating three active-duty soldiers and one intelligence agency employee in connection with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) incident, where a drone "violated North Korean airspace" and was shot down by Pyongyang last month.

On the same day, a joint investigation team comprising military and police personnel conducted raids and searches at 18 suspected locations, including the headquarters of the Defense Intelligence Command and the National Intelligence Service.

"The task force stated that they will clarify the truth by analyzing seized evidence and thoroughly investigating the suspects", the investigation agency's statement read.

Debris that North Korea claims belongs to a South Korean UAV shot down on 4/1. *KCNA*

Previously, three civilians were accused of involvement in the UAV incident in North Korea. One of them claimed responsibility, stating the action aimed to "detect radiation levels from North Korea's Pyongsan nuclear facility".

North Korea previously reported that a UAV, launched from an island off South Korea's Incheon city, flew 8 km before being shot down in North Korean airspace on 4/1. The UAV was reportedly equipped with reconnaissance sensors to photograph key North Korean facilities.

North Korean media also released images showing UAV debris scattered on the ground, along with photographs of several areas in Kaepung district, Kaesong city, apparently extracted from the UAV.

Initially, Seoul denied government involvement in the incident, and President Lee Jae-myung also stated that the act was "firing a shot at North Korea".

Since taking office in 6/2025, President Lee has pursued a moderate policy towards North Korea and has repeatedly called for peace on the peninsula. He also pledged to resume negotiations to de-escalate tensions.

However, North Korea maintained its disinterest in South Korea's reconciliation policy, criticizing Lee as "hypocritical" in his statements regarding the denuclearization of the peninsula.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters, Yonhap)