North Korea has urged South Korea to fully investigate recent drone flights that allegedly crossed into its airspace, a rare response that mixes caution with warning amid fragile ties between the two rivals.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang noted Seoul’s statement that it had no intention of provoking the North. However, she stressed that any further incidents could lead to serious consequences, according to remarks carried Sunday by state media outlet KCNA.
Kim said she appreciated what she described as a wise decision by South Korea to publicly deny any intent to provoke tensions. At the same time, she underscored that responsibility ultimately lies with South Korean authorities, regardless of who launched the drones.
She said a drone from the Republic of Korea violated North Korean airspace, adding that national security agencies cannot avoid accountability even if the act was carried out by a civilian group or individual.
North Korea’s military said on Saturday that drones entered its airspace earlier this month, following a similar intrusion reported in September. South Korea responded by saying the drones were not operated by its military.
South Korea’s Office of National Security said it would quickly release the findings of its investigation into the drone incidents. The office reiterated that the government has no intention of escalating tensions with the North.
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Officials in Seoul have said they are examining whether a civilian actor may have been responsible for the flights. The administration of President Lee Jae Myung has also been seeking to ease strained relations and has proposed renewed military talks.
Despite outreach efforts from the South, North Korea has not responded to recent calls for dialogue. Leader Kim Jong Un declared late last year that the two Koreas are separate and hostile states, a shift that further hardened Pyongyang’s stance.
The latest exchange highlights how quickly small incidents can inflame tensions on the Korean Peninsula, even as both sides publicly signal a desire to avoid open confrontation. Observers say the outcome of Seoul’s investigation could shape the next phase of inter Korean relations.