President Lee Jae-myung expressed regret to North Korea on Sunday over a civilian drone incursion incident.
"An investigation has confirmed that National Intelligence Service personnel and active-duty military members were involved in the drone incident," Lee said at a Cabinet meeting and emergency economic review session held at Cheongwadae.
"Residents in border areas must have been more concerned than anyone about this incident," he said. "I extend my deepest consolation to them."
"Although this was not our government's intention, I express deep regret that unnecessary military tension was provoked by the irresponsible and reckless actions of some individuals," Lee said.
He also directed relevant ministries to "swiftly implement immediately enforceable measures along with institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents."