Kim Yo-jong Drone Incursion Apology Demand Shuts Down Dialogue
Kim Yo-jong has demanded a formal apology from South Korea over alleged drone incursions in 2026, dismissing hopes for improved relations as a 'daydream.'
They're shaking fists instead of hands. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korea's leader, just issued a blistering demand for South Korea to apologize for alleged drone incursions, effectively freezing any hopes of a diplomatic thaw.
Kim Yo-jong’s Ultimatum on Drone Sovereignty Breach
In a statement released via the KCNA on January 13, 2026, Kim demanded that Seoul admit to violating DPRK sovereignty. This follow's the North Korean military's claim that South Korean drones equipped with surveillance gear crossed the border in September 2025 and again on January 4, 2026.
Kim didn't mince words, calling the breach a "deed done by the enemy only." She warned that Seoul would be "forced to pay the price they cannot deal with" if such actions continue, signaling that Pyongyang's response would go beyond simple "proportional" measures.
A 'Daydream' of Better Relations
The statement comes as a cold shower for South Korea's Unification Ministry, which had recently hinted at a possible opening for communication. Kim dismissed these hopes as a "daydream," stating flatly that the current address of inter-Korean relations can never change.
South Korea's military has denied operating the specific drone models shown by the North. However, officials are investigating whether civilian activists might have launched the devices, a possibility that Kim Yo-jong noted while still holding the Seoul government responsible for the airspace violation.
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