Lee signals intention to apologize to NK over predecessor’s dispatch of drones to Pyongyang

President Lee Jae Myung answers questions from reporters during a press briefing with foreign correspondents at Cheong Wa Dae, Seoul, Wednesday. Joint Press Corps

President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday he intends to extend an apology to North Korea over the previous government’s alleged dispatch of drones to Pyongyang to distribute anti-regime leaflets.

However, Lee added that the current domestic political landscape makes such a gesture difficult.

Speaking at a press briefing with foreign correspondents at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Lee said, “You are reading my mind,” when asked if he is thinking of issuing a state-level apology for the action as a way to help to reduce inter-Korean tensions.

“On one side, I think we need to apologize, but on the other side, I worry that (an apology) could become an issue of political and ideological conflict, where the administration would be labeled pro-North Korea,” Lee said.

Lee’s comments came amid an ongoing investigation by a special counsel into the drone issue. Lee’s predecessor, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, and some of his close aides in the military allegedly ordered the deployment of drones carrying leaflets critical of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Pyongyang in October 2024 in order to incite the North to retaliate and use it as a pretext for declaring martial law.

Lee also described inter-Korean relations as “so sealed that not even a pinhole remains,” emphasizing that Seoul’s unilateral confidence-building measures may be necessary to reopen channels of communication.

The president also signaled a willingness to compromise on the long-contentious issue of joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises, saying Seoul could discuss scaling them down if necessary to facilitate renewed U.S.-North Korea talks.

“If it is needed to build momentum for dialogue, and if it serves as a strategic lever for the United States, we can discuss it,” he said, reiterating his intention to act as a “constant facilitator” in efforts to restart negotiations.

The president emphasized that Washington has greater influence over Pyongyang’s decision-making process, noting that North Korea’s leadership views the U.S., rather than South Korea, as the only actor capable of providing credible security assurances. Still, he argued that Seoul must continue to create an environment conducive to talks, saying this approach is vital for Korea to remain a “principal actor” in shaping the future of the Korean Peninsula.

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a press conference with foreign correspondents at Cheong Wa Dae, Seoul, Wednesday. Joint Press Corps

Nuclear-free peninsula

When asked about deterrence and nuclear policy, Lee reaffirmed his commitment to the principle of nonproliferation, saying Seoul has “no intention of stepping outside the framework of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.”

He added that issues such as uranium enrichment, spent fuel reprocessing and the potential acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines “do not violate nonproliferation norms,” as they do not involve the development of nuclear weapons.

Lee noted that South Korea’s conventional capabilities remain more than sufficient to deter the North, pointing out that the country’s defense spending exceeds North Korea’s annual gross domestic product, and that South Korea’s military strength ranks among the top five globally, even without U.S. forces stationed on the peninsula.

Lee also pointed to the results of his two recent summits with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing his commitment to back South Korea’s development of nuclear-powered submarines as “the biggest achievement so far.”

“Securing nuclear-powered submarines gives us strategic flexibility and autonomy,” he said, adding that the vessels “will not be equipped with nuclear warheads,” and therefore do not conflict with nonproliferation principles.

He added that Seoul and Washington are moving toward what he describes as a “50-50 partnership” for producing enriched uranium.

“President Trump said, ‘If South Korea produces its own enriched uranium, there will be plenty left — let’s go fifty-fifty.’ So we agreed to pursue a joint venture, and Secretary of Commerce (Howard) Lutnick is now handling the discussions,” he said.

Regarding where the submarines should be built, Lee said Trump had suggested a shipyard in Philadelphia, but he made it clear that he preferred domestic construction. “Given Korea’s unmatched efficiency in shipbuilding, it is more realistic, economical and secure to build them here,” he said.

Turning to China, Lee described the bilateral relationship as one South Korea “cannot separate from, either geographically or economically.” He underscored the need for steady management of ties with Beijing and said he hoped to visit China “as soon as possible” for in-depth talks with President Xi Jinping.

Lee also addressed rising tensions between China and Japan. “If we take sides, the conflict will only intensify. Our role should be to help all sides coexist and reduce friction where we can,” he said.

While conceding that historical disputes with Japan “remain unresolved,” he stressed that “we should not abandon cooperation in security, economy or cultural exchange because of these issues.”

Regarding Russia, Lee said Seoul was keeping channels of communication open despite the limits imposed by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. He voiced concerns about the deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, but said Seoul would “work to prevent matters from deteriorating and seek opportunities for improvement wherever possible.”

Lee added that sustained efforts to lower tensions and rebuild dialogue channels are necessary to prevent the current stalemate from becoming permanent.