(C) KBS

A graduate student in his 30s, identified as Mr. Oh, was arrested on February 26th for allegedly sending drones into North Korea. Judge Bu Dong-shik of the Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant following a substantive review, citing a significant "risk of destroying evidence and flight."

Oh faces charges of general treason under the Criminal Act, as well as violations of the Aviation Safety Act and the Military Bases and Installations Protection Act. He is the first of seven suspects booked by the joint military-police task force (TF) to be detained, with investigators identifying him as the primary mastermind behind the operation.

During the hearing, Oh argued for an investigation without detention, raising legal questions about whether North Korea officially constitutes an "enemy state" as defined by treason laws. While he previously claimed in media interviews that he sought to check radiation levels at North Korean uranium plants, he reportedly shifted his stance in court, stating he intended to use the captured data for research or business purposes.

The investigation was triggered early last month when North Korea claimed South Korean drones had infiltrated its airspace. Following reports of civilian involvement, President Lee Jae-myung ordered a strict joint investigation. The TF is currently investigating several other suspects, including a drone manufacturer, a corporate director, a National Intelligence Service (NIS) official with financial ties to Oh, and two military captains (from Special Warfare Command and Intelligence Command) who accompanied Oh or reviewed the drone footage.

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