Plan to Reinstate 2018 No‑Fly Zone Announced Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young told reporters on Feb 18‑20 that Seoul will review and seek to restore the September 2018 inter‑Korean military pact’s air‑space restrictions, banning aircraft and drones within 15 km east and 10 km west of the Demilitarized Zone [5][3][4]. The move aims to prevent accidental clashes and rebuild military confidence after the pact’s suspension in 2024. Seoul stresses that the reinstatement will be partial and designed to preserve its own surveillance and readiness capabilities.

Civilian Drone Incursions Prompted Policy Shift North Korea condemned civilian‑operated drones launched from South Korea in September 2025 and on Jan 4 2026, accusing Seoul of violating its sovereignty [1][5][6]. Chung publicly apologized for the flights and accelerated the no‑fly‑zone proposal, while Kim Yo‑jong, sister of Kim Jong‑un, said she “highly appreciates” the pledge to curb such incursions [1][5][6]. The incidents have become a catalyst for renewed confidence‑building measures.

President Lee’s Administration Drives Restoration After 2024 Suspension The Yoon Suk‑Yeol government halted the 2018 pact in June 2024 over North Korean balloon campaigns and a disputed spy‑satellite launch [5][4]. President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June 2025, has vowed to revive the agreement as part of a broader effort to mend inter‑Korean ties [3][4][5]. Kim Yo‑jong responded positively, indicating North Korea’s willingness to increase border vigilance if Seoul curbs drone activity [3][4].

Defense Ministry Emphasizes Readiness and U.S. Consultation The Defense Ministry announced that reinstating the zone will not compromise South Korea’s military‑readiness posture and is consulting the United States on implementation [3][4]. Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Capt. Jang Do‑young declined to name UAV or satellite substitutes for surveillance, noting a review is underway [3]. The ministry’s approach seeks to balance confidence‑building with continued intelligence‑gathering capabilities.

EU Backing Sought and Secured in High‑Level Dialogue On Feb 19 2026, Chung met EU Deputy Secretary‑General Olof Skoog, requesting active European support for Seoul’s peace agenda, which Skoog pledged [2][1]. The follow‑up briefing on Feb 20 reiterated the request, linking Korean‑European security discussions to broader concerns in Europe [1]. EU officials highlighted prospects for cooperation in security and digital sectors, signaling a multilateral dimension to the no‑fly‑zone initiative.