"Seoul should acknowledge and apologize for violating North Korea's sovereignty, and take measures to prevent such incidents from recurring," Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said on 13/1, referring to the accusation of a South Korean drone infringing on its airspace earlier this month.

Kim warned South Korea would be forced to "pay an unbearable price" if it continued to provoke North Korea's "inviolable sovereignty." "This is not merely an empty threat," she stressed.

The official also dismissed South Korea's expectations for dialogue and de-escalation. "Ultimately, Seoul's illusory dream of so-called 'healing inter-Korean relations' can never materialize. No matter how much South Korea pretends to show goodwill, inter-Korean relations will never change," Kim Jong-un's sister added.

South Korea has not yet responded to Kim's statements.

Kim Yo-jong in Pyongyang in 2022. Photo: KCNA

North Korea's military previously stated that a drone (UAV) originating from an island off South Korea's Incheon city on 4/1, flew 8 km before being shot down in North Korean airspace. The drone was believed to be equipped with reconnaissance sensors to photograph important North Korean facilities.

North Korean media also released images showing drone debris scattered on the ground, along with photographs of several areas in Kaepung district of Kaesong city, which appeared to be extracted from the drone.

Seoul denied the accusation, stating that the drone in the photos released by Pyongyang was not a type used by the South Korean military. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered a joint military and police investigation into the incident. He also stated that any civilian involvement would be a "serious criminal act threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Debris North Korea claims is from a South Korean drone shot down on 4/1. Photo: KCNA

Since taking office in 6/2025, President Lee Jae-myung has pursued a moderate policy towards North Korea and repeatedly called for peace on the peninsula. He also pledged to resume talks with Pyongyang to reduce tensions.

North Korea affirmed it is not interested in South Korea's reconciliation policy, criticizing Lee as "hypocritical" in his statements regarding the denuclearization of the peninsula.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Chosun Daily)