Wi Sung-lac, head of the Office of National Security, on the 14th responded to North Korean Workers' Party Vice Department Director Kim Yo-jong's demand to "apologize for the drone intrusion," saying, "Since the military or the government did not send it, we need to identify the possibility that it was civilian," and added, "It is not because North Korea is raising the issue that we look into it; it violates current law, so we must identify it and take action as needed."
The Deputy Minister, during an afternoon press briefing at the Osaka Press Center in Japan on the outcomes of the South Korea-Japan summit, was asked about Kim's demand for an apology and said, "Sending a drone to North Korea violates current law and the Armistice Agreement, so we cannot let it slide; we must identify it and take the necessary measures."
The Deputy Minister said, "This is not a phase of doing something with North Korea; it is a phase within us," adding, "We should consider not only North Korea's situation and points of contact but also the law and the armistice system."
The Deputy Minister added that relations with North Korea should proceed calmly and soberly. The official said, "Whatever issue arises in diplomacy and security, we will respond calmly, soberly, and with composure, maintaining seriousness and dignity," and added, "Personally, one may have hopeful thinking or try to interpret the situation favorably, but we must respond cool-headedly and calmly."
The Deputy Minister said, "North Korea holds a complete cutoff and strong rejection toward the South or the United States, so we must respond prudently," adding, "We need to pursue tension reduction and confidence building and, through that, reengage in dialogue and move into a process of discussing pending issues; to do so, we must proceed calmly and soberly."
The Deputy Minister said restoring the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military agreement is also under review. The Deputy Minister said, "It is not a final conclusion, but we are reviewing restoration, and it is also guidance from President Lee Jae-myung." The official added, "There are various incidental factors and many stakeholders," and said, "It takes time because we have to coordinate internal opinions and establish a kind of plan for how to deal with derivative issues."