Kim Jong Un's sister calls South Korea's apology for drones entering North Korean airspace ‘very fortunate & wise’

South Korea said North Korea’s unusually calm response to an apology over drone incursions into its airspace marks “meaningful progress” towards easing tensions between the two sides, according to Reuters.

Relations between the two Koreas have deteriorated sharply in recent years.

South Korea apologised over drone incursions

President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret to Pyongyang over “unnecessary military tensions” caused by multiple drones entering North Korean airspace.

According to Reuters, Lee said the drones were launched by civilians acting against government policy.

He added that an investigation found a National Intelligence Service employee and an active-duty military officer were involved, calling the incidents violations of South Korea’s constitution.

Lee’s chief of staff, Kang Hoon Sik, said the apology reflected the president’s intention to reduce tensions and restore trust after reviewing the investigation findings.

North Korea called apology “fortunate and wise”

In a rare conciliatory response, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang viewed Lee’s apology and pledge to prevent future incidents as “very fortunate and wise.”

However, she also warned that Seoul should “refrain from any attempt at contact” with North Korea, according to remarks carried by the state-run KCNA news agency.

Seoul says response shows “meaningful progress”

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said the response marked “meaningful progress” towards easing military tensions.

In a statement cited by Reuters, the ministry said Seoul would continue “refraining from any hostile acts” while maintaining its policy of peaceful coexistence on the Korean peninsula.

The ministry added that the government is seeking to reverse a recent deterioration in ties between the neighbours, per The Straits Times (ST).

But tensions remain high overall

Despite the softer tone, analysts cautioned that the response does not signal a major shift in relations.

Kyungnam University professor Lim Eul-chul said North Korea’s remarks amounted to a controlled acceptance of Lee’s apology rather than a change in stance.

South Korea is still firmly regarded as a hostile state by Pyongyang, he said, adding that any easing of tensions is likely aimed at managing the situation rather than softening North Korea’s two-state framework.

In recent years, North Korea has labelled South Korea its “most hostile state” and said it would no longer pursue reunification, framing relations between the two sides as those of separate rival countries instead of a divided nation, ST reported.

Top image via Lee Jae Myung/Facebook, Kim Yo Jong/Facebook