Defense Intelligence Command Drone Incursion Allegations: MoD Probes Secret Support Claims

Was it a rogue student's mission or a state-sponsored shadow operation? The South Korean Ministry of National Defense is digging into fresh allegations that the Defense Intelligence Command (DIC) secretly backed a graduate student who claims to have flown drones into North Korea. As of Jan. 19, 2026, a joint military-police team's working to verify whether the military was directly involved in these cross-border incursions.

Defense Intelligence Command Drone Incursion and Shell Company Ties

The controversy erupted after Newstapa, an investigative news outlet, reported that a man surnamed Oh allegedly operated two shell companies disguised as media outlets to facilitate DIC intelligence work. Sources suggest Oh received 10 million won (approx. $6,783) for his cooperation. Oh's background's particularly sensitive; he's a former leader of a conservative youth group and once served in the presidential office during Yoon Suk Yeol's term.

Regional Stability and the Military's Defensive Stance

North Korea hasn't taken the incidents lightly. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong-un, has demanded an apology, labeling the acts a violation of sovereignty. While Seoul's military initially denied the claims, stating the drones weren't military-operated, the emerging link between a civilian and the DIC's put officials in a tough spot. A defense official stated the ministry's supporting a "swift and thorough probe" to clear the air.