North Korea on Friday (Feb 13) issued a stark warning of a “terrible response” if any more drones are detected crossing the border from South Korea. The statement, carried by the state-run Korea Central News Agency, came amid rising tensions over recent drone incursions.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said any further drone activity would be treated as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
“We don’t care who is behind the drone infiltration—whether an individual or a civilian organisation. Such provocations will provoke a terrible response,” she warned.
The alert follows an incident in January when North Korea claimed to have shot down a surveillance drone. While Seoul initially denied government involvement, suggesting civilians may have been responsible, a joint military-police investigation is ongoing targeting three active-duty soldiers and one spy agency staffer.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has aimed to improve relations with Pyongyang, expressed concern over the escalating situation. His unification minister, Chung Dong-young, earlier offered “deep regret” over the drone incursion, while also signalling efforts to prevent similar incidents.
Experts say Kim Yo Jong’s statement underscores Pyongyang’s close monitoring of developments in Seoul. The January drone reportedly carried surveillance equipment and captured images of “important targets,” including border areas and military sites.
The drone controversy follows accusations against former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, whose administration allegedly used unmanned drones to scatter propaganda leaflets over North Korea in 2024. Lee has committed to stopping such provocations and hinted that a formal apology may even be necessary to repair ties.
Analysts note that the warning coincides with North Korea preparing for its rare party congress at the end of February, an event expected to outline the country’s foreign policy, military planning, and nuclear strategy for the next five years. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council recently approved exemptions for food and medicine shipments to North Korea, a move seen as a potential step toward renewed diplomatic engagement.
