Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo on Jan. 4 in Seoul announces the release of a ministry video to refute Japan’s claim in the radar row in a media briefing. (Yonhap News)

By Song Baleun and Kim Minji

The Ministry of National Defense on Jan. 21 expressed "deep regrets" over Japan’s latest action on a bilateral dispute over Tokyo's claim that a Korean destroyer locked its radar on a low altitude-flying Japanese patrol plane.

In an urgent media briefing called after Japan’s announcement, the ministry expressed "deep regrets" over Tokyo's release of two audio files to back its claim and a unilateral end to consultations on the matter. 

The Japanese Defense Ministry earlier released two audio files on its official website to support its claim that the Gwanggaeto the Great on Dec. 20 last year locked its radar on the Japanese aircraft in the overlapping exclusive economic zones of the two countries. Tokyo also suspended bilateral consultation on the row with Seoul. 

Korean Defense Ministry spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo said no information in the 18-second audio file from Japan was identifiable including detection date and time, angle and traits of electromagnetic waves, calling it "an undefinable machine sound."

She repeatedly demanded an apology from Japan for its patrol plane flying in a threatening manner at low altitude, adding that experts from both countries should conduct scientific and objective verification to get the truth behind the matter. 

"We'll keep doing our best to reinforce national security cooperation between Korea and Japan and also our joint defense alliance with the U.S.," Choi said. 

brightsong@korea.kr