Kim Yo Jong urged South Korea to investigate recent drone flights Pyongyang says violated its airspace, praising Seoul's public denial of hostile intent while warning of grave consequences for provocations. North Korea's military reported intrusions earlier this month and in September; Seoul says the drones were not military‑operated and will probe possible civilian involvement. South Korea's security office pledged to publish findings swiftly as the Lee administration seeks improved ties and proposed military talks despite Pyongyang's refusal to engage since late 2023.
Kim Yo Jong Demands Seoul Probe After Alleged Drone Incursions Into North Korean Airspace
Fragments of a drone lie scattered on the ground in Muksan-ri area, Kaepung District, Kaesong City, North Korea, after North Korea said on Saturday that South Korea sent another drone into North Korean airspace on January 4, according to North Korean state media KCNA, in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on January 10, 2026. KCNA via REUTERS
SEOUL, Jan 11 (Reuters) — Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, on Sunday called on South Korea to investigate recent drone flights that Pyongyang says violated its airspace, according to a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.
Kim welcomed Seoul's public declaration that it had no intention of provocation but warned that any provocative acts could lead to "terrible situations." She stressed that officials responsible for national security cannot evade responsibility, whether the devices were operated by military personnel, civilian groups or individuals.
"Clear is just the fact that the drone from the ROK violated the airspace of our country," Kim said. "No matter who is the perpetrator and whether it is a deed by any civilian organization or individual, the authorities responsible for national security can never evade their responsibility for it."
Claims and Seoul's Response
North Korea's military said drones launched from South Korea entered North Korean airspace earlier this month, following a separate intrusion in September. Seoul responded that the devices were not operated by its military and said it would carry out a thorough investigation into possible civilian involvement.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attends wreath laying ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam March 2, 2019. REUTERS/Jorge Silva/Pool
South Korea's Office of National Security said it would promptly release the results of its probe and reiterated the government's stance that it does not seek to provoke Pyongyang.
Wider Diplomatic Context
The administration of President Lee Jae Myung is pursuing improved ties with North Korea and has proposed military talks to address security concerns. Pyongyang, however, has not engaged with Seoul's outreach since Kim Jong Un described the two Koreas as separate, "hostile" nations at the end of 2023.
(Reporting by Jihoon Lee; editing by Diane Craft, Rod Nickel and Michael Perry)
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