Jan 4 Drone Over Ganghwa Tracked and Downed North Korean forces said a South‑origin drone flew northward over Ganghwa County, Incheon on Jan 4, was tracked and hit with electronic‑warfare assets, and was forced to crash about 1,200 m from Muksan‑ri near Kaesong [1][2][3]. The device allegedly stayed aloft for more than three hours, covering roughly 156 km and carrying surveillance equipment [1][2]. Pyongyang presented the incident as a sovereignty violation and a direct provocation [3].

September 2025 Paju Drone Infiltration Cited The North also referenced a Sep 27, 2025 drone that launched from the South’s border city of Paju, entered Phyongsan County, and was struck by electronic means before crashing in Jangphung County near Kaesong [1][2]. This earlier case was described as part of a pattern of hostile incursions targeting low‑altitude radar zones [2]. Both incidents were framed as evidence of continued South Korean aggression [1].

Pyongyang Labels Seoul Hostile, Warns High Price North Korean officials called South Korea “the most hostile enemy” and warned that Seoul must be prepared to pay a “high” or “dear” price for its drone provocations [1][2][3]. The statements threatened unspecified countermeasures and signaled a willingness to escalate if the incursions persisted [1][3]. Rhetoric emphasized that South Korean military actions would be treated as enemy provocations demanding retaliation [2].

Verification Remains Unclear Amid Tensions The claims have not been independently verified, and South Korean authorities have not publicly confirmed either the Jan 4 or Sep 2025 drone events [2][3]. The dispute unfolds as Seoul seeks renewed dialogue with Pyongyang, adding diplomatic complexity to the security accusations [2].