North Korea warns Seoul of "terrible response" if drone incursion occurs again

SadaNews - North Korea warned today (Friday) of a "terrible response" if South Korea conducts another drone incursion into its airspace, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

This threat came after South Korean investigators raided intelligence agency premises in an attempt to determine responsibility for the incident in January, during which Pyongyang announced the downing of a South Korean drone near the Kaesong industrial city.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader, stated in a message published by the Korean Central News Agency: "I am giving a pre-warning that a repetition of such provocation that violates the established sovereignty of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is sure to provoke a terrible reaction."

Despite acknowledging that the South took "reasonable steps" following the drone breach, Kim emphasized that violations of the North's sovereignty are unacceptable under any circumstances.

She added, "We do not care who the manipulator of the incursion of drones into the airspace of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is, whether it is an individual or a civil organization."

This incident escalated tensions and threatened to undermine efforts by Seoul to improve relations with Pyongyang.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol sought to repair relations with North Korea, pledging to stop what had been happening during his predecessor’s term regarding the launching of drones into his country.

Initially, South Korea denied any government involvement, suggesting the possibility of civilian responsibility, but earlier this week announced that it is investigating three active-duty soldiers and an intelligence agency employee in an effort "to get to the full truth."

The investigations led to the raiding of 18 sites on Tuesday, including the headquarters of the two intelligence agencies.

In her statement, Kim warned Seoul that such incidents would not be tolerated and urged the South Korean authorities to "prevent such foolish acts from happening again within their territory."