The presidential office stated on the 14th, regarding North Korea and its ‘claim of a South Korean drone intrusion’, that “sending drones from the civilian sector is highly likely to violate current law,” and “because it also violates the Armistice Agreement, we cannot simply let it pass.”

National Security Advisor Wi Sung-rak, taking a related question at a briefing on the Korea-Japan summit held at the Osaka Press Center in Japan that afternoon, said, “North Korea says a drone was sent (from South Korea), but there was nothing the government knew about.” He said, “It is understood that nothing was done by the military or the government,” and, “the remaining issue is to determine whether it might have been done on the civilian side.”

Wi said, “We are not looking into this because North Korea raised it,” and added, “We must ascertain the facts and take legal measures as required, and if punishment is possible, we should punish.” He continued, “This is not a stage of coordinating with North Korea, but a stage of identifying matters on our side,” and, “once it is determined who did what and how, we must then consider the next response.”

Wi said, “We must look comprehensively not only at points of contact for dialogue with North Korea, but also at the legal framework, the armistice regime, and the easing of inter-Korean tensions,” adding, “Within that consideration is the fact that North Korea has sent drones to us, and the point that ‘they sent them to Cheong Wa Dae and to Yongsan, and there are many’ also violates the Armistice Agreement.”

Wi also said, “From a balanced position, we will deal with what we have done, and if there is anything to communicate between the sides, we will do so,” adding, “when there is something to point out then, we will point it out.” He said, “There have been instances where moving ahead in some quarters has brought about such reactions from the North,” and, “regarding diplomacy and security, whatever may arise, we will proceed calmly, quietly, and with composure, with gravitas and decorum. I would note that the government is doing so now.”

Wi said, “We may be inclined to interpret the situation in a way favorable to us, but with regard to North Korea we must respond coolly and calmly,” adding, “since North Korea is currently approaching the South or the United States with complete severance and a very strong sense of rejection, we must respond with caution.”

On whether to restore the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement, Wi said, “Restoring the 9·19 agreement is the direction of the government and also guidance given by the President,” adding, “we are reviewing restoration and conducting the necessary discussions.”

He said, “This matter is not a policy option considered only toward a single objective,” and, “there is also coordination of internal views, and if we do so, how can we deal with the problems that ensue? We must also set up a kind of backup plan. I think it will take time.”