Seoul: The defense ministry is delving into new allegations that the Defense Intelligence Command (DIC) supported a graduate student accused of flying a drone into North Korea, as confirmed by a government official on Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, online news outlet Newstapa reported that the individual, identified by the surname Oh, is suspected of managing two companies posing as online media outlets. These companies allegedly engage in intelligence activities in support of the DIC and have reportedly received 10 million won (approximately US$6,783), based on information from security sources.

A defense ministry official stated that the ministry is actively participating in a joint military-police investigation team probing the case. The ministry is committed to ensuring a swift and comprehensive investigation but refrained from providing additional details due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry.

The joint investigative team aims to verify the allegations and ascertain whether the DIC was involved in the reported drone incursion. Earlier this month, North Korea accused South Korea of infringing on its sovereignty through drone incursions in September of the previous year and again on January 4. Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, demanded an admission and apology from Seoul for these incidents.

South Korea's military has refuted these claims, asserting that the drones in question were not operated by its forces. In a televised interview last week, Oh claimed responsibility for sending the drone to North Korea. He is known to have previously led a conservative youth group and served at the presidential office during former President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration.