Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
Time: 10:30-10:36 A.M.

1. Minister's Schedule

Minister Chung Dongyoung will attend the cabinet meeting on January 13 at 9 A.M.

On January 14, at 10 A.M., Minister Chung will be briefed on the 2026 work plan by affiliated agencies under the Ministry of Unification.

On January 15, at 10 A.M., Minister Chung will host an advisory group meeting on the Korean Peninsula peace strategy.

2. Vice Minister's Schedule

Vice Minister Kim Nam Jung will attend the vice ministers' conference on January 15 at 2 P.M.

3. Q&A

Q. Are there any further findings on the drone incident, including who may have launched the drones and whether a single actor or any North Korea-related organizations were involved?

A. The Ministry will closely monitor the situation as the matter is currently under investigation by relevant authorities.

Q. The National Security Office has announced a joint military-police investigation into the drone incident. Does the Unification Ministry have any plans from the standpoint of managing inter-Korean relations?

A. The Ministry will continue its consistent efforts to ease inter-Korean tensions and build trust, while closely following the findings of the investigation into this drone incident.

Q. Following the statement by KPA General Staff spokesman, vice department director Kim Yo Jong issued an additional statement. How does the Ministry assess North Korea's intentions behind these moves?

A. The Government has made clear that it has no intention to provoke or escalate tensions toward the North and has initiated a joint military-police investigation. In this context, it is important to focus on swiftly establishing the facts in order to promote stability and build trust between the South and the North, rather than speculating on the North's intentions.

Q. There have been previous incidents involving drones crossing into the North, followed by protests from the North. How does the Government's current response differ from past cases?

A. The Ministry has nothing further to comment at this time as the matter remains under investigation.

Q. Is there any specific reason North Korea chose Rodong Sinmun to disclose information about the drone incident?

A. The Ministry will refrain from making assumptions on the North's intentions.

Q. While North Korea has released detailed images of the drone, there may be limitations to the investigation here in the South as the debris remains in the North. Is there anything the Government can share about the progress of the investigation?

A. The investigation is being handled by relevant authorities, and it is not a matter on which the Unification Ministry can comment.

Q. Is the Government still making daily routine calls to the North through the liaison channel, and has there been any response?

A. The Government continues to make daily contact attempts through the Panmunjeom channel, but communication has not yet resumed.

Q. Some have pointed out that a thorough investigation would require access to the drone debris. Does the Government plan to request its transfer from North Korea?

A. As the investigation is ongoing, it would be difficult to comment at this stage.

Q. It is my understanding that the Ministry of Unification also attended the meeting of relevant authorities held by the National Security Office yesterday. Could you explain the Ministry's role in the investigation process going forward?

A. There is nothing to add regarding the meeting convened by the National Security Office.