South Korean president considers apologizing to North Korea for accusations of distributing leaflets and using drones

SEOUL, South Korea President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea revealed on Wednesday that he is contemplating issuing an apology to North Korea regarding suspicions that his ousted conservative predecessor may have intentionally escalated military tensions between the two Koreas prior to his brief martial law declaration in December 2024.

Speaking to reporters on the first anniversary of former President Yoon Suk Yeols attempted power grab, Lee, a liberal who won a snap election after Yoons removal in April, emphasized his commitment to improving relations with North Korea. However, when questioned about North Koreas longstanding detention of several South Korean citizens, Lee admitted he was unaware of the cases, drawing criticism from relatives calling for their safe return.

Last month, a special prosecutor indicted Yoon and two top defense officials for allegedly ordering drone flights over North Korea to provoke tensions. South Korean media reported that under Yoon, the military also launched balloons carrying propaganda leaflets across the border. While these allegations remain unproven in court, Lee stated his personal desire to apologize to North Korea.

I do believe an apology is needed, but I have hesitated because it could be used to label me as pro-North Korean or fuel political disputes, Lee said. Thats all I will comment on for now.

North Korea had publicly accused Yoons administration of flying drones over Pyongyang to drop anti-North Korean materials three times in October 2024. The South Korean military has not confirmed these claims, and publicly acknowledging reconnaissance activity over the North is highly unusual.

Since taking office in June, Lee has taken several steps to reduce inter-Korean tensions, including turning off frontline loudspeakers that broadcast K-pop and world news, and prohibiting activists from sending propaganda balloons into North Korea. Despite these efforts, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed any interest in dialogue with Seoul. Lee expressed regret over Pyongyangs stance but vowed to continue initiatives to ease tensions, suggesting the suspension of regular South Korea-U.S. military drills as a possible measure to encourage North Korea to return to talksa proposal likely to face criticism from conservatives.

Uncertainty Over Detained South Koreans

When asked about efforts to secure the release of six South Korean nationals detained in North Korea over the past decade, Lee appeared uninformed, asking his national security director if the detentions were accurate. He stated that he lacked specific information and needed further details to comment.

Three of the detainees are Christian missionaries arrested in 2013-2014 for attempting to spread Christianity and convicted of plotting against the North Korean government. The other three are North Korean defectors who resettled in South Korea, and little is known about their cases. Relatives expressed frustration and sadness over Lees lack of awareness. Kim Jeong-sam, brother of one jailed missionary, said, My heart is aching. I pray for my brothers safe return daily.

Legal analyst Ethan Hee-Seok Shin criticized Lee, saying it is unbelievable that the president would not know about these cases, emphasizing the expectation that he should have actively sought solutions despite the challenges involved.

Reflecting on the Attempted Coup

During the press conference, Lee credited South Koreans for preventing Yoons self-coup, noting how thousands gathered at the National Assembly to assist lawmakers in lifting the martial law measure. Lee recounted livestreaming his journey to the Assembly, urging citizens to converge and intervene. Near the end of the broadcast, he climbed over a fence to enter the grounds, describing it as a demonstration of the peoples power against the attempted takeover.

Yoons declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, came amid a standoff with the liberal-controlled legislature and involved hundreds of troops surrounding the National Assembly. The measure lasted only a few hours before lawmakers lifted it. Yoon was impeached later that month and formally removed in April by the Constitutional Court. He was re-arrested in July and is now on trial for rebellion and related charges, including allegedly escalating tensions with North Korea to justify martial law.

Author: Sophia Brooks