Kim Yo Jong praises South's 'regret' over drones in rare diplomatic gesture

In an unusual conciliatory overture, North Korean senior official Kim Yo Jong has commended South Korean authorities for expressing regret over alleged drone flights into northern territory. State media reported Friday that Kim, a powerful figure in the Workers' Party, described Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's recent remarks as "fortunate" and "quite sensible behavior," marking a rare moment of positive engagement between the adversaries.

Conditional Approval and Stark Warning

Despite the measured praise, Kim emphasized that verbal acknowledgment alone is insufficient, demanding concrete preventative measures against any recurrence of what Pyongyang characterizes as a "grave encroachment of sovereignty." She issued a pointed warning that North Korea would not investigate whether future drone operations originated from individuals or civilian organizations, stating that "various counterattack plans are on the table" and that any chosen response "will go beyond proportionality." The statements reference alleged drone dispatches on January 4 and in September 2025, which Pyongyang formally protested last month.

South Korean Response and Dialogue Prospects

Hours following Kim's statement, South Korea's presidential office expressed hope for rebuilding mutual trust and reducing tensions. A senior official told Yonhap News that "the two Koreas need to restore trust by easing tensions through mutual communication," adding that both sides "should refrain from actions that undermine the precious peace between them." The exchange represents a constructive signal for severely strained inter-Korean relations as the administration of President Lee Jae-myung pursues resumed dialogue aimed at lowering military tensions and improving bilateral ties. Analysts view the rare positive framing from Pyongyang as potentially opening space for renewed diplomatic engagement.