North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong praised South Korean President Lee Jae‑myung’s expression of regret over a January drone incursion as ‘very fortunate and wise behavior.’ The statement, carried by the Korean Central News Agency, called Lee’s remarks ‘a manifestation of a frank and broad‑minded man’s attitude.’ Kim Yo Jong, who frequently comments on Pyongyang’s external policy and is seen as reflecting her brother’s views, said Pyongyang appreciated the apology and the promise of measures to prevent a recurrence.
Seoul initially said the January incursion was carried out by civilians, but a later investigation found involvement by a National Intelligence Service official and an active‑duty soldier. President Lee told Pyongyang he regretted the incident and noted that South Korea’s constitution bans private acts that could provoke the North. He also said the incursion was not his government’s intention and expressed regret that the irresponsible actions of some individuals had caused unnecessary military tensions.
Pyongyang had warned in February of a ‘terrible response’ if further drones violated its airspace, a warning that prompted Seoul’s investigation. Lee has made repeated efforts to repair ties with the North, but many of his overtures have been rebuffed. The expression of regret comes after Kim Jong Un’s March policy address in which he described Seoul as ‘the most hostile state’ and pledged to ‘thoroughly reject and disregard it.’
While Pyongyang welcomed Lee’s apology, analysts say broader relations remain strained and cautious, with gestures unlikely to erase deeper political and security disagreements.