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Kim Yo-jong Appreciates Seoul's Drone Pledge, Vows Stronger Border Vigilance

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, has issued a statement responding to South Korea's pledge to prevent future drone incursions into the North. She stated she "highly appreciates" Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's expression of regret and preventive measures. However, she coupled this with a strong warning of "terrible consequences" if such violations of sovereignty reoccur. The statement comes after Seoul acknowledged four instances of drones sent by South Korean individuals and said it would review reinstating a suspended 2018 military pact.

Key Points: N. Korea's Kim Yo-jong reacts to S. Korea's drone incursion pledge

  • Kim Yo-jong responds to S. Korean minister's regret
  • Seoul acknowledges 4 drone incursions by individuals
  • Measures include reviewing a suspended 2018 military pact
  • North Korea vows heightened border vigilance and warns of consequences
3 min read

North Korea leader's sister hails Seoul's pledge to prevent drone incursions, vows stronger border vigilance: KCNA

Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong "highly appreciates" a South Korean pledge to prevent drone incursions but warns of "terrible consequences" if repeated.

"I highly appreciate... willingness to prevent a recurrence. - Kim Yo-jong"

Seoul, Feb 19

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said on Thursday she 'highly appreciates' South Korea's pledge to prevent a recurrence of drone incursions into the North, vowing to step up the country's vigilance along the border with the South.

Kim Yo-jong, a party vice department director, issued the statement via the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) a day after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young expressed 'regret' over drone incursions into the North and announced a series of measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.

"I highly appreciate Chung Dong-young, minister of unification of the ROK, officially acknowledged the ROK-born drone's provocative intrusion into the airspace of our country, expressing regret once again and willingness to prevent a recurrence," Kim said in the statement.

ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.

At a press conference the previous day, Chung acknowledged that, based on the results of an investigation, drones were sent to the North by South Korean individuals four times between last September and February, including two occasions confirmed by the North.

Chung said Seoul will review and seek to reinstate the suspended 2018 military pact with North Korea, aimed at halting hostilities along the inter-Korean border and between their militaries, including a no-fly zone, as part of measures to prevent a repeat of drone incursions into the North.

In January, Pyongyang accused Seoul of sending drones equipped with surveillance equipment in September and on January 4, prompting the South Korean government to launch an official investigation.

Kim warned South Korea will face 'terrible consequences' if such a 'violation of the sovereignty' reoccurs, "no matter whom the mastermind is and by what means it is carried out. This is not a threat but a strong warning."

She claimed that guaranteeing the prevention of repeated violation of North Korea's sovereignty is "entirely for the ROK's existence."

She also warned the border with the "enemy should be firmly guarded," adding, "Our military leadership will take a step for heightening vigilance in all sectors along the southern border with the ROK."

At a year-end party meeting in December 2023, the North's leader Kim Jong-un declared inter-Korean relations as those between "two states hostile to each other" and has since pursued hostile policies toward Seoul, Yonhap news agency reported.

An official at the South Korean unification ministry said the ministry 'takes note' of North Korea's "prompt" response to Chung's statement, reiterating Seoul's determination to 'responsibly' pursue the prevention measures announced the previous day.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Kim Yo-jong's statement feels like a classic good cop, bad cop routine. "We appreciate your regret... but here's a threat." It's a volatile situation. The reinstatement of the 2018 pact is a crucial step, but trust is completely broken. Hope cooler heads prevail.
P
Priyanka N
Reading this from India, the phrase "two states hostile to each other" is very sad. We've seen how hostility only breeds more hostility. South Korea's measured response is commendable. Provocations from non-state actors are a real challenge for any government to control fully.
R
Rahul R
The North Korean leadership always talks about "sovereignty" but never grants basic freedoms to its own people. 🤷‍♂️ While the drone incursions were wrong, the focus should be on the humanitarian crisis in the North, not just border posturing.
A
Aman W
This is a delicate dance. South Korea admitting fault is a big deal and shows maturity. But Kim Yo-jong's vow for "stronger border vigilance" likely means more militarization. Not a good sign for stability. The region doesn't need another flashpoint.
K
Kiran H
With respect, I think the South Korean government needs to be more transparent. If drones were sent four times by individuals, what were the motives? Was there any state knowledge? A full public accounting would strengthen their position against the North's rhetoric.

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