Kim Yo‑jong Praises Seoul’s Drone Pledge While North Threatens Severe Retaliation Over Border Violations
Updated (2 articles)
Drone Flights Confirmed by South Korean Authorities South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young disclosed that individuals from the Republic of Korea launched drones toward the North four times between September 2023 and February 2026, with Pyongyang verifying two of those incursions [1][2]. He expressed regret and outlined steps to prevent further flights, noting that the incidents prompted an official investigation [1]. The admissions underscore a pattern of unauthorized aerial activity that has heightened inter‑Korean tensions.
Kim Yo‑jong Commends Seoul’s Commitment and Issues a Strong Warning On 19 February 2026, Kim Yo‑jong, sister of Kim Jong‑un and senior party official, said she “highly appreciates” the South’s pledge to stop drone incursions [1][2]. She added that any repeat breach of North Korean sovereignty would bring “terrible consequences,” emphasizing the warning as “strong, not empty” regardless of the perpetrator [1][2]. Her statement linked the issue to the broader existential stakes she claims the ROK faces.
Seoul Plans to Reinstate the 2018 Inter‑Korean Military Pact In response to the drone incidents, the South Korean government announced a review of the suspended 2018 agreement that established a no‑fly zone along the border [1][2]. Minister Chung indicated that reinstating the pact forms part of a comprehensive strategy to block future violations [1]. Restoring the no‑fly zone would legally restrict aerial operations over the demilitarized zone and adjacent areas.
North Korea Accuses South of Deploying Surveillance‑Equipped Drones Pyongyang alleged that the drones launched from the South in September 2023 and on 4 January 2026 carried surveillance equipment [1]. The claim framed the flights as espionage attempts, reinforcing Kim Yo‑jong’s warning of severe repercussions for any further breach [1]. The North’s swift response highlighted its readiness to confront perceived violations of its airspace.
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: North Korean Sister Praises Seoul’s Drone Pledge, Warns of Severe Consequences – Details Kim Yo‑jong’s appreciation of the pledge, her warning of “terrible consequences,” and South Korea’s plan to review the 2018 no‑fly zone pact, citing four drone flights and Pyongyang’s accusations .
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Yonhap: Kim Yo‑jong Praises South Korea’s Drone Pledge, Warns of Consequences – Mirrors the previous report, adding background on Kim Jong‑un’s 2023 hostile stance and emphasizing the existential framing of border vigilance, while confirming the same four drone incidents and the pending pact review .
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Timeline
2018 – South Korea and North Korea sign an inter‑Korean military agreement that creates a no‑fly zone along the border, a pact later suspended but later slated for review as a deterrent against aerial incursions[1].
Dec 2023 – Kim Jong‑un declares at a year‑end meeting that inter‑Korean relations amount to “two states hostile to each other,” a stance that underpins the heightened rhetoric surrounding later drone incidents[2].
Sep 2025 – South Korean individuals launch surveillance‑equipped drones from the South into North Korea, marking the first of four incursions later confirmed by Pyongyang and prompting Pyongyang’s accusation of South‑origin drone activity[1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – A second surveillance‑equipped drone flies northward, leading North Korea to accuse Seoul of repeated violations and to open an official investigation into the drone flights[1].
Feb 18‑19, 2026 – Kim Yo‑jong publicly thanks Seoul for its pledge to stop drone incursions, saying she “highly appreciates” the commitment, and warns that any repeat breach will bring “terrible consequences,” stressing the warning is “strong, not empty”[1][2].
Feb 19, 2026 – Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young admits four drone flights from September to February, confirms two were verified by Pyongyang, expresses regret, and announces South Korea will review reinstating the suspended 2018 military pact and its no‑fly zone to block future violations[1][2].
Feb 19, 2026 – North Korea vows to heighten vigilance along the southern border, pledging tighter border watch and warning that any further breach of its sovereignty will trigger severe repercussions[1].
Feb 19, 2026 – The South Korean unification ministry notes North Korea’s swift response and reaffirms Seoul’s determination to responsibly implement the newly announced prevention measures[1].