NSC files complaint against 13 opposition lawmakers over drone claim

The National Security Council (NSC) said Friday it has filed a complaint with police against 13 opposition lawmakers over their claims that the NSC had ordered the military to send a drone into Pyongyang last year.

The complaint was filed against Rep. Boo Seung-chan of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and 12 other DPK lawmakers for the alleged violation of the information and communications law.

The lawmakers have "seriously" damaged the NSC's reputation by spreading false information alleging that it ordered the Drone Operations Command to infiltrate Pyongyang with a drone and that National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik was directly involved in the matter, according to the presidential office.

The office said the DPK lawmakers made "baseless claims" without evidence, which constitute a criminal act that "endangers national security" and its legal action is aimed at restoring the NSC's reputation and preventing the spread of "fake news."

In October, North Korea claimed to have discovered the remains of unmanned aerial vehicles carrying anti-Pyongyang leaflets in its capital, accusing Seoul of sending the drones and warning of retaliation if such actions were repeated.

The military has maintained its stance of not confirming the alleged drone infiltration despite suspicions raised by the opposition bloc that the move was linked to preparations for President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law imposition on Dec. 3. (Yonhap)