Seoul Reaffirms No Intent to Provoke North Korea On Sunday the Blue House issued a statement that South Korea has no intention of provoking or irritating Pyongyang over recent drone incursions, reiterating a policy of restraint [1][2]. The office of national security framed the declaration as part of ongoing efforts to ease inter‑Korean tension and rebuild trust. It emphasized that diplomatic channels remain open despite North Korea’s renewed accusations.

Joint Military‑Police Investigation Ordered by President President Lee Jae Myung instructed a combined military and police probe into the drone incidents, and officials pledged to publish the findings promptly [1][2]. A high‑level meeting involving the military, police and relevant ministries reviewed progress on the investigation, although the Blue House declined to confirm the meeting’s occurrence [1]. The joint inquiry is presented as a mechanism to prevent escalation and identify any non‑state actors.

South Korean Military Denies Involvement, Cites Private Actors The Republic of Korea armed forces stated unequivocally that it did not launch or operate the drones detected in the North, rejecting Pyongyang’s claim of state responsibility [1][2]. Analysts within the ministry suggested that private entities could have conducted the flights, and the probe will examine that possibility. The denial aims to separate the South’s official policy from any unauthorized civilian activity.

Kim Yo‑jong Demands Detailed Explanation from Seoul Kim Yo‑jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un, publicly demanded a thorough explanation for the September and January 4 drone incursions, accusing Seoul of violating North Korean sovereignty [1][2]. Her statements underscore Pyongyang’s insistence on accountability and reflect heightened rhetoric ahead of upcoming inter‑Korean talks. The demand follows the South’s repeated refusals to accept responsibility.

Discrepancy Persists Between Seoul’s Private‑Actor Theory and Pyongyang’s Sovereignty Claim While Seoul attributes the drones to possible private actors, North Korea continues to assert that the flights constitute a sovereign breach by the South Korean state [1][2]. This divergence fuels diplomatic tension and complicates the joint probe’s ability to satisfy both parties. Both governments agree on the need for an investigation, but they differ sharply on the presumed perpetrator.