Unification Minister Chung Dong-young delivers a congratulatory message at a Mass for national reconciliation and unity at Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral on Feb. 10, 2026, in this photo provided by Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 10 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s unification minister on Tuesday publicly expressed regret over a recent drone flight allegedly launched by a South Korean civilian into North Korea, marking the first time a senior official has voiced contrition over the episode.
“I express deep regret to North Korea over the reckless drone intrusion that occurred recently,” Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said in a congratulatory message delivered at a Mass for national reconciliation and unity at Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul.
Chung’s remarks come amid fragile inter-Korean relations and appear to signal a willingness by the Democratic Party–led government to lower tensions with Pyongyang. He emphasized the need for “mutual recognition and peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas.”
The minister did not reference previous cases in which North Korean drones entered South Korean airspace — incidents for which Pyongyang has not issued apologies.
Chung also criticized drone flights toward the North that allegedly took place under the previous administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol, calling them “reckless and very dangerous acts that might have caused a war” and “very unfortunate incidents that should never happen again.”
![A spokesperson for the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army claimed through the Korean Central News Agency on Jan. 10 that North Korea had shot down South Korean drones that allegedly infiltrated its territory in September last year and again on Jan. 4, warning that Seoul would “pay the price.” The photo shows what North Korea claims is a South Korean drone that crashed in Jangpung County, Kaesong. (Pyongyang Korean Central News Agency/Yonhap) [For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution]](http://koreabizwire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PYH2026011000460004200.jpg)
A spokesperson for the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army claimed through the Korean Central News Agency on Jan. 10 that North Korea had shot down South Korean drones that allegedly infiltrated its territory in September last year and again on Jan. 4, warning that Seoul would “pay the price.” The photo shows what North Korea claims is a South Korean drone that crashed in Jangpung County, Kaesong. (Pyongyang Korean Central News Agency/Yonhap) [For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution]
To prevent future flare-ups, he urged the restoration of the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military agreement, a 2018 accord designed to halt hostile acts on land, sea and air along the border. The agreement has effectively been suspended amid deteriorating relations.
Asked whether his remarks had been coordinated with the presidential office, Chung said they reflected the ministry’s own judgment.
The minister also addressed broader inter-Korean issues, expressing regret over the closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex. He described Pyongyang’s unilateral suspension of operations there as “a foolish decision” that damaged trust and left “deep scars” among South Koreans.
At the same time, Chung suggested that international sanctions on North Korea have complicated humanitarian assistance efforts and worsened conditions for ordinary citizens in the North.
His comments underscore the administration’s attempt to recalibrate Seoul’s approach toward Pyongyang — balancing condemnation of past provocations with overtures aimed at reopening dialogue. Whether the gesture will elicit a response from the North remains uncertain.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
