South Korea to probe alleged civilian drone flights into North Korea

Independent.co reports South Korea said there would be a thorough investigation of a civilian possibly having operated drones into North Korean airspace, making clear its stance of having no intention of provocation.

Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader's sister, urged Seoul to investigate the incidents in a statement carried by state media KCNA on Sunday and said she "appreciated Seoul for making a wise decision to announce its official stance that it has no intention of provocation", warning that any provocations will result in "terrible situations." North Korea's military said drones were flown from South Korea into North Korea earlier this month, after another intrusion in September, while South Korea responded that they were not operated by the military. "Clear is just the fact that the drone from the ROK violated the airspace of our country," Ms Kim said; ROK stands for the Republic of Korea.

South Korea's Office of National Security said it would swiftly release results of its investigation and reaffirmed the government's stance of having no intention to provoke North Korea. The administration of President Lee Jae Myung is seeking to improve ties and has proposed military talks, but North Korea has not responded to any calls for dialogue with the South since leader Kim Jong Un defined the two Koreas as separate, "hostile" nations at the end of 2023.

Key Topics

World, South Korea, North Korea, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un, Lee Jae Myung