North Korea commends South’s apology over drone flights

SEOUL (Azat TV) – North Korea has publicly commended South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for expressing regret over unauthorized drone incursions into its airspace, describing the apology as “wise behaviour” and a sign of a “frank and broad-minded man’s attitude.” The remarks, made by Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signal a rare moment of measured praise from Pyongyang amid heightened inter-Korean tensions.

Seoul Admits Role in Drone Flights

The acknowledgement comes after President Lee Jae Myung formally apologized to North Korea on Monday for several drone flights that entered the North’s territory between September 2025 and January 2026. Initially, South Korean authorities had suggested the flights were conducted by civilians without government approval. However, an internal probe confirmed the involvement of National Intelligence Service officials and active-duty soldiers. President Lee stated that these actions, which caused unnecessary military tensions, were “irresponsible and reckless.” He emphasized that South Korea’s constitution prohibits private individuals from engaging in acts that could provoke the North, even if deemed necessary for national strategy, and stressed the need for extreme caution.

Pyongyang Welcomes Apology, Issues Warning

Kim Yo Jong, speaking through the official Korean Central News Agency, stated that her brother, Kim Jong Un, viewed President Lee’s expression of regret favorably. She noted that Pyongyang appreciated the apology as “very fortunate and wise behaviour for its own sake.” However, the praise was coupled with a stern warning. Kim Yo Jong cautioned Seoul to “stop any reckless provocation against the DPRK and refrain from any attempt at contact.” She added that the South would be “forced to pay a price” if such violations of North Korean sovereignty occurred again.

Background of Inter-Korean Drone Incidents

The drone incursions into North Korea, particularly over the Kaesong area, involved individuals evading military surveillance to capture footage. In January, North Korea claimed to have shot down a drone carrying surveillance equipment that had entered its territory. Following this, three South Koreans, including an intelligence officer and a military officer, were charged in late March in connection with the flights, accused of entering North Korean airspace a total of four times since September. The motives behind these unauthorized flights remain unclear. This incident occurs in the context of President Lee’s efforts to repair inter-Korean relations, contrasting with the policies of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, whose administration was accused of sending drones to scatter propaganda. Notably, former President Yoon is currently facing trial over charges related to his administration’s actions and his declaration of martial law.

Shifting Inter-Korean Dynamics

President Lee’s direct apology to North Korea represents a significant departure from typical diplomatic engagement between the two Koreas. His administration has previously sought dialogue, but Pyongyang has largely remained unresponsive. This recent exchange follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s declaration in March that he considered Seoul the “most hostile state” and vowed to reject any attempts at engagement. The current situation highlights the complex and often volatile nature of inter-Korean relations, where gestures of de-escalation are met with both cautious reception and underlying threats.

The unusual directness of President Lee’s apology, and North Korea’s reciprocal, albeit conditional, commendation, suggests a potential, albeit fragile, opening for dialogue, driven by a desire to de-escalate tensions following specific, acknowledged provocations.