Kim Yo Jong, Sister of North Korea's Leader, Says North Korea Will Counterattack If South Korea Repeats Alleged Civilian Drone Flights

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea’s leader, publicly responded to Seoul’s expression of "deep regret" over alleged civilian drone flights by calling that response "sensible."

“This photo provided by the North Korean government, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, delivers a speech during a national meeting against the coronavirus, in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Aug”

Associated Press

She demanded tougher action and warned that Pyongyang would carry out "terrible" counterattacks that could go "beyond proportionality."

Associated Press

Her statement framed the incidents as serious security breaches that warrant stronger measures from South Korea and repeated North Korea’s accusations that Seoul launched surveillance drones in September and January.

Seoul denies those claims and is investigating three civilians suspected of flying drones across the border.

Analysts cited in the coverage say North Korea’s accusations are likely intended to stoke anti-South sentiment ahead of the ruling party congress in late February and could further undermine efforts to resume stalled inter-Korean talks.

Kim Yo Jong called Seoul's expression of regret 'sensible' while demanding stronger steps, according to both U.S.-based and local outlets.

Both outlets highlighted her warning that North Korea's response could exceed proportionality.

KSAT

Both sources quote Kim's threat and report that Pyongyang says various 'counterattack plans' are on the table.

Seoul's official stance, also reported by both outlets, denies operating drones at the times North Korea cited.

Seoul notes an ongoing police investigation into three civilians suspected of flying drones from border areas.

Both outlets consistently reported Seoul’s denials and the investigation into civilians.

“This photo provided by the North Korean government, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, delivers a speech during a national meeting against the coronavirus, in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Aug”

Associated Press

They noted that South Korea denies operating drones at the times cited by Pyongyang and that police are probing three civilians.

The Unification Ministry told reporters the alleged flights were inconsistent with tension-reduction policies and said it would take steps to prevent repeats, language highlighted in the AP account.

KSAT likewise stressed the diplomatic fallout and the context of stalled inter-Korean relations since 2019.

Analysts and both outlets framed the incidents against the backdrop of North Korea's domestic politics and the impending Workers' Party congress, noting the potential for Pyongyang to use the episode to rally domestic support and harden positions ahead of the event.

KSAT explicitly mentions the possibility that Kim Jong Un could formalize a 'two-state' stance at the congress and highlights the lack of public talks since 2019.

KSAT

AP reports analysts' view that the accusations are likely aimed at stoking anti-South sentiment and could undermine efforts to restart talks.