South Korea Imposes Travel Bans on Civilians Amid Drone Incursion Probe

South Korea Imposes Travel Bans in Drone Investigation

South Korea has placed overseas travel bans on three civilians as part of a deepening investigation into alleged drone flights over North Korea. The move, announced on Friday, January 23, 2026, comes amidst heightened animosity between the rival Koreas following North Korea's accusations of airspace incursions.

Details of the Allegations and Suspects

The investigation centers on claims by North Korea that South Korean drones infringed upon its sovereignty in September 2025 and again on January 4, 2026. While the South Korean military has denied operating the drone models in question, a joint police and military investigation team is probing civilian involvement.

The three individuals subjected to travel bans include a graduate student identified by the surname Oh, who reportedly claimed to have flown drones into North Korea on three occasions since September 2025. Oh stated his intention was to check radiation levels at a North Korean uranium facility. Another individual, surnamed Jang, is suspected of building the drones, and a third person, surnamed Kim, worked at a drone manufacturing company established by Oh and Jang.

Reports indicate that one of the drones allegedly captured images of a South Korean Marine Corps base in Ganghwa County as it traversed the inter-Korean border. Investigators are considering charges against the suspects for violating the Aviation Safety Act and the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act.

Official Response and Broader Implications

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has strongly condemned unauthorized civilian drone flights, describing them as 'a grave crime' that endangers national security and peace on the Korean Peninsula. President Lee further warned that such actions are 'effectively equivalent to acts of war' given the fragile security environment. He has called for a thorough investigation to prevent any escalation of tensions.

The incident has further strained already tense inter-Korean relations and threatens to undermine efforts by South Korea's government to resume long-stalled talks with North Korea. North Korea had previously threatened retaliation following its accusations of drone incursions.

The investigation has also uncovered potential links between the suspects and the previous administration. Oh and Jang reportedly worked at the presidential office under former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Furthermore, allegations suggest that Oh's online news outlets were connected to a military intelligence official from the Korea Defence Intelligence Command (KDIC), which the KDIC confirmed was for intelligence activities, though direct involvement in the drone flights remains unverified.

Conclusion

The imposition of travel bans on these civilians underscores the seriousness with which South Korea views unauthorized cross-border activities. The ongoing probe highlights the delicate nature of inter-Korean relations and the potential for civilian actions to trigger significant diplomatic and security challenges on the peninsula.