Seoul’s expression of regret over a January drone incursion into Pyongyang is “wise behavior,” the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said.
Earlier in the day South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed regret to Pyongyang over drones sent into the nuclear-armed North earlier this year, actions he called “irresponsible.”
“The ROK president personally expressed regret and talked about a measure for preventing recurrence. Our government appreciated it as very fortunate and wise behavior for its own sake,” Kim Yo-jong said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, using the official name of South Korea.
Photo: EPA
Seoul initially denied any official role in the January drone incursion — with authorities suggesting it was the work of civilians — but Lee said a probe had revealed government officials had been involved.
The North warned in February of a “terrible response” if it detects more drones crossing the border from the South, prompting Seoul to investigate the claims.
Pyongyang said it downed a drone carrying “surveillance equipment” in early January. Photographs released by state media showed the wreckage of a winged craft scattered across the ground alongside gray and blue components that allegedly included cameras.
“It has been confirmed that a National Intelligence Service official and an active-duty soldier were involved,” Lee told a Cabinet meeting, adding: “We express regret to the North over the unnecessary military tensions caused by the irresponsible and reckless actions of some individuals.”
He added that South Korea’s constitution bans private individuals from conducting acts that could “provoke the North”.
“Such actions, even when deemed necessary for national strategy, must be approached with extreme caution,” he said.
Kim Yo-jong said her brother had taken Lee’s remark “as a manifestation of a frank and broad-minded man’s attitude,” but warned Seoul to “stop any reckless provocation against the DPRK and refrain from any attempt at contact,” using the initials of the North’s official name.
In other news, South Korean lawmakers yesterday said that North Korea’s test of a solid-fuel rocket engine was intended for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) built with carbon fiber to extend range and allow for delivery of heavier and possibly multiple warheads.
Last month, Pyongyang conducted a ground test of a solid-fuel rocket engine that analysts believe is being developed for its latest ICBM.
The new engine likely has greater thrust than the previous model it tested in 2024, which was already assessed as capable of striking anywhere in the mainland US, they said.
North Korea has conducted all its longer-range missile launches at a lofted trajectory to splash down the projectiles in the ocean off its east coast or to the east of Japan to test them without flying them for a distance they are designed for.
North Korean media showed the airframe of the missile at the new engine test that was built with carbon fiber, which is lightweight while strong, allowing the projectile to carry multiple warheads, South Korean lawmaker Park Sun-won said.
Park was speaking to reporters following a closed-door briefing by the South Korean National Intelligence Service.
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