South Korean Police and Military Raid Suspects Over Alleged Drone Flights to North Korea
Updated (2 articles)
Joint Police‑Military Raid Targets Three Civilian Suspects South Korean police and military investigators executed search and seizure warrants at 8 a.m. on Jan 21, 2026, raiding the homes and offices of three civilian individuals suspected of illegal drone activity [1][2]. The operation focused on alleged violations of the Aviation Safety Act and was coordinated by the National Police Agency’s National Office of Investigation. Authorities kept the identities of the suspects confidential while emphasizing a thorough, open‑ended inquiry.
Investigation Prompted by North Korea’s Drone Sovereignty Complaints The raids followed repeated accusations from North Korea that South Korean drones breached its airspace in September 2025 and again on Jan 4, 2026 [1][2]. KCNA released a photo claiming a South Korean drone was forced down electronically in Jangphung County on Sept 27, 2025, a claim the South Korean military denies, stating it does not operate the drone models in question. Police said all possibilities remain under review as diplomatic tensions rise.
Suspects Linked to University, Government, and Startup Two of the investigated individuals attended the same Seoul university, previously worked at the presidential office under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, and co‑founded a drone‑manufacturing startup supported by the university in 2024 [1]. A graduate student identified only as “Oh” publicly claimed responsibility for flying the drones during a media interview, adding a personal admission to the case. The article underscores civilian expertise and connections rather than direct military involvement.
Authorities Question One Civilian While Keeping Investigation Broad Investigators questioned one civilian suspect on the Friday preceding the raid and continued interrogations on the day of the operation [1][2]. Police declined to disclose further details about the suspects or the evidence gathered, maintaining a wide‑ranging investigative scope. The focus remains on potential Aviation Safety Act breaches pending additional findings.
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: Homes, offices of 3 suspects raided over alleged drone flights to North Korea: Describes the raid’s execution, includes graduate student Oh’s interview, and highlights suspects’ university, presidential office, and startup ties, emphasizing civilian involvement.
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[2]
Yonhap: Homes and offices of three suspects raided over drone flights to North Korea: Stresses raid timing, links to North Korea’s Sept 27 2025 drone photo and electronic forced fall, and situates the action within broader sovereignty complaints.
Timeline
Sept 27, 2025 – North Korea’s state news agency KCNA publishes a photo it says shows a South Korean drone and claims it uses electronic means to force the aircraft to crash in Jangphung County, Kaesong, marking the first public accusation of a South Korean aerial intrusion and sparking diplomatic tension. [1]
2024 – Two of the later‑suspected individuals graduate from the same Seoul university, serve in the presidential office under former President Yoon Suk‑yeol, and co‑found a drone‑manufacturing startup with university support, linking the alleged incursions to civilian expertise and former government circles. [2]
Jan 4, 2026 – North Korea repeats its sovereignty complaint, alleging another South Korean drone entered its airspace; the claim pushes South Korean authorities to launch a joint police‑military investigation into the incidents. [1][2]
Jan 19, 2026 – Police and military investigators question a civilian suspect about the alleged drone flights, expanding the probe after the military denies operating the drone models in question and marking the first direct civilian interrogation in the case. [1]
Jan 21, 2026 – At 8 a.m., a joint team executes search and seizure warrants on three civilian suspects, raiding their homes and offices on charges of violating the Aviation Safety Act; the operation follows a media interview in which a graduate student surnamed Oh says he personally flew the drones, and police keep the suspects’ identities confidential. [1][2]