This study conducts a comparative analysis of drone pilot licensing systems in four major countries—Korea, China, Japan, and the United States—based on the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As drones increasingly integrate into national airspace, establishing consistent qualification systems for remote pilots has become a global regulatory priority. The research examines how each country interprets and institutionalizes ICAO’s RPAS framework, focusing on licensing structure, regulatory governance, and operational scope. Findings reveal that while all four countries reflect ICAO’s principles of safety and accountability, their implementation strategies differ substantially. The United States emphasizes flexibility through its Part 107 and waiver mechanisms; China adopts a centralized, state-controlled licensing and real-name registration model; Japan introduces a gradual certification process under MLIT; and Korea operates a hybrid system combining governmental oversight with private training. These variations reflect each nation’s administrative traditions and industrial conditions. The study concludes that Korea’s system, though relatively well-aligned with ICAO standards, should further enhance international interoperability, strengthen institutional quality assurance, and balance regulatory rigor with industrial innovation.