SEOUL/PYONGYANG: North Korea accused South Korea of flying drones over its territory, a claim strongly denied by Seoul as tensions continued over the weekend. The North said its airspace was violated in September and again last week, framing the incidents as provocations regardless of political leadership in South Korea.
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South Korea’s Defence Ministry rejected the allegations, stating that the drones involved were not operated by its military. Officials said a thorough review of the incidents indicated no evidence of government-backed drone operations, stressing that civilian drone activity could not be linked to Seoul.
South Korean authorities have launched an investigation focused on the possibility civilians may have flown drones that North Korea said violated its airspace. pic.twitter.com/jPrEW1kAkO
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 12, 2026
Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and vice department director of the ruling Workers’ Party, reiterated Pyongyang’s accusations in the Rodong Sinmun, the official party newspaper. She said the alleged intrusions were violations of sovereignty and that it was “irrelevant whether the act occurred under the Yoon administration or the current Lee government.” Kim added that the issue was not about who operated the drones but about the breach of North Korean airspace itself.
Seoul responded by reaffirming that it had no intention of provoking North Korea. Cheong Wa Dae, South Korea’s presidential office, said the government would conduct a joint military-police investigation alongside the military’s initial probe and promised to release the results quickly. Officials emphasized the importance of clarifying facts to avoid misunderstandings that could escalate tensions on the peninsula.
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The exchange comes amid stalled inter-Korean dialogue, with both sides facing domestic and international pressure to manage rising tensions. Analysts say Pyongyang’s statements are likely aimed at signaling its red lines while testing Seoul’s response, highlighting the fragility of security relations on the Korean Peninsula.