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Kim Yo‑jong Praises Seoul’s Drone‑Prevention Pledge While Threatening Severe Retaliation

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  • Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in this photo captured from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in this photo captured from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in this photo captured from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This undated file image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Unification Minister Chung Dong-young delivers a congratulatory message at a Mass for national reconciliation and unity at Seoul's Myeongdong Cathedral on Feb. 10, 2026, in this photo provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young delivers a congratulatory message at a Mass for national reconciliation and unity at Seoul's Myeongdong Cathedral on Feb. 10, 2026, in this photo provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Unification Minister Chung Dong-young delivers a congratulatory message at a Mass for national reconciliation and unity at Seoul's Myeongdong Cathedral on Feb. 10, 2026, in this photo provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size

North Korean Sister Commends Seoul’s Commitment and Issues Strong Warning Kim Yo‑jong, sister of Kim Jong‑un and senior party official, said she “highly appreciates” South Korea’s pledge to stop drone incursions and warned that any repeat breach would bring “terrible consequences,” stressing the warning is “not a threat but a strong warning” [1][2][3][4]. She added that North Korea will intensify monitoring of the southern border and keep vigilance firm [1][4]. The statement, released via KCNA on Feb 19, reflects a rare diplomatic acknowledgment from Pyongyang [3].

South Korean Minister Admits Four Drone Flights Originated From the South Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young confirmed that South Korean individuals launched drones into North Korean airspace four times between September 2023 and February 2026, with Pyongyang verifying two of those incidents [1][2][3]. He expressed regret and outlined steps to prevent recurrence, including an official investigation into three civilian suspects linked to intelligence circles [5]. The admissions mark the first public acknowledgment by Seoul of civilian‑linked drone activity [5].

Seoul Plans to Review and Possibly Reinstate the 2018 No‑Fly Zone Pact Chung announced that South Korea will review the suspended 2018 inter‑Korean military agreement, which establishes a no‑fly zone along the DMZ, as part of broader measures to block future drone violations [1][2]. Reinstating the pact would ban aircraft and drones within 15 km of the eastern DMZ and 10 km of the western sector [5]. The move signals Seoul’s willingness to adopt stricter security arrangements amid heightened tensions.

Both Koreas Emphasize Heightened Border Vigilance and Preventive Actions Kim Yo‑jong pledged tighter border watch and called for the border to be “firmly guarded,” framing North Korea’s sovereignty as essential to the ROK’s existence [1][2]. South Korean officials reiterated resolve to implement preventive steps promptly, including possible reinstatement of the no‑fly zone and continued investigations [5]. The exchange underscores a reciprocal escalation of security postures following the drone incidents.

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Timeline

Sep 2023 – South Korea creates the Drone Operations Command after a North Korean unmanned aircraft breaches Seoul’s airspace, centralising detection and response functions across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps [7].

Oct‑Nov 2024 – A covert operation mobilises 59 frontline drone‑unit troops to dispatch 18 drones carrying anti‑Pyongyang leaflets on 11 occasions, aiming to fabricate a pretext for a martial‑law bid [14].

27 Sep 2025 – North Korea alleges a South Korean surveillance drone launches from Paju, flies 156 km, and is forced down near Kaesong, claiming a sovereignty breach [24].

Dec 2025 – North Korea test‑fires long‑range strategic cruise missiles, new anti‑air missiles and unveils photos of its first nuclear‑powered submarine prototype, signalling a broad weapons‑development push [1].

Early Jan 2026 – The regime conducts hypersonic missile test flights, with Kim Jong Un stressing the need to strengthen the nuclear deterrent [1].

4 Jan 2026 – North Korea says it uses electronic‑warfare assets to down a South Korean drone over a border town, describing the craft as carrying two cameras [3].

10 Jan 2026 – Pyongyang accuses Seoul of drone incursions in September 2025 and on 4 Jan, warns South Korea will “pay a high price” for the provocations [24].

10 Jan 2026 – Kim Yo‑jong demands a public apology from Seoul, calling the drone flights “unforgivable hysteria” and threatening severe retaliation [17].

10 Jan 2026 – Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back declares the North’s drone allegations “absolutely not true,” noting the photos do not match South Korean military drones [26].

12 Jan 2026 – A joint police‑military team of about 30 officials launches a probe into North Korea’s drone‑incursion claims, examining possible civilian involvement [20].

12 Jan 2026 – Defense Minister Ahn says South Korea is open to a joint inter‑Korean investigation through the United Nations Command if the North returns the drones [19].

13 Jan 2026 – Kim Yo‑jong warns that if Seoul labels the incursions as civilian actions, North Korea could unleash “numerous unmanned aerial vehicles via civilian agencies” [18].

13 Jan 2026 – The Unification Ministry notes North Korea’s silence after Kim Yo‑jong’s statement, suggesting a narrow opening for dialogue and possible easing of tensions [18].

14 Jan 2026 – Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young pledges Seoul will take “corresponding action” once the military‑police fact‑finding team finishes its swift investigation [16].

14 Jan 2026 – National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac says South Korea is internally discussing reviving the 2018 inter‑Korean border pact, which would limit military activities along the DMZ [15].

15 Jan 2026 – An internal military document reveals the 2024 covert drone operation, confirming 59 troops and 18 drones were used to drop anti‑North leaflets, a plan not shared with frontline units or allies [14].

16 Jan 2026 – Police summon a civilian suspect for questioning in the drone‑incursion probe; President Lee Jae Myung warns that confirmed civilian launches would constitute a grave crime threatening peninsula peace [13].

16 Jan 2026 – A joint probe targets a civilian alleged to have flown drones into North Korea, with investigators seeking to verify claims that the drones measured radiation at a Pyongyang uranium site [12].

18 Jan 2026 – Authorities interrogate a drone‑maker who previously worked in former President Yoon Suk‑Yeol’s office, expanding the investigation to possible collusion and unregistered drone use [11].

19 Jan 2026 – The Defense Ministry probes the Defense Intelligence Command over allegations it aided a graduate student who flew a drone into the North, launching a swift joint military‑police inquiry [10].

21 Jan 2026 – Joint police‑military raids search the homes and offices of three civilian suspects, seizing equipment and questioning a graduate student who claims he piloted the drones [8].

22 Jan 2026 – A Special Advisory Committee recommends dismantling the Drone Operations Command and creating a Joint Operations Command to streamline authority, citing duplication of functions and recent political scrutiny [7].

23 Jan 2026 – South Korea imposes overseas travel bans on three civilians linked to alleged drone flights, intensifying the probe into possible Yoon‑era involvement [2].

27 Jan 2026 – North Korea launches suspected ballistic missiles toward the sea, timing the test to showcase weapons progress ahead of the Workers’ Party congress that may embed a “two‑state” system into the party constitution [1].

28 Jan 2026 – Unification Minister Chung announces that interim findings of the drone‑incursion probe will focus on possible remnants of the Yoon administration, noting two drone operators were former Yoon‑office contractors [6].

19 Feb 2026 – Kim Yo‑jong “highly appreciates” Seoul’s pledge to stop drone incursions, vows tighter border vigilance and warns that any repeat breach will bring “terrible consequences,” framing the warning as a strong, not merely rhetorical, threat [5].

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