Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, South Korea's point man on inter-Korean relations, addresses a ceremony to mark the start of business for the new year at the government complex in Seoul on Jan. 2. Yonhap
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Tuesday expressed regret over a recent alleged drone incursion into North Korea by a South Korean civilian, marking the first expression of regret regarding the incident by a senior government official.
"I express deep regret to North Korea over the reckless drone intrusion that occurred recently," Chung said during a congratulatory message delivered at a Mass for national reconciliation and unity at Seoul's Myeongdong Cathedral.
He added that Seoul seeks "mutual recognition and peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas."
The minister did not mention past instances of North Korean drones flying into the South, incidents for which Pyongyang has never expressed regret.
He also criticized alleged drone flights to North Korea that occurred under the former Yoon Suk Yeol government, calling them "reckless and very dangerous acts that might have caused a war," and "very unfortunate incidents that should never happen again."
To prevent further incidents, Chung stressed the need to restore the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military agreement, which calls for a complete halt to hostile acts on land, at sea and in the air.
When asked if his comments were coordinated with Cheong Wa Dae, Chung said they were the ministry's judgment.
Source: Korea Times News
