North Korea warns South of “terrible response” over drone incident

North Korea has issued a stern warning to South Korea, stating that any repeat of what it considers a violation of its airspace will trigger a “terrible response.” The warning follows an alleged drone incursion last month, Bloomberg reports.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said in a statement carried by state media that recurrence of such provocations against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) would provoke retaliation that “will go beyond proportionality.” She noted that “various counterattack plans are on the table.”

The incident reportedly involved drones entering North Korean airspace. Pyongyang released images of the supposed wreckage, while Seoul denied involvement and said it was investigating whether civilians may have been responsible. Earlier this week, South Korea’s unification minister expressed regret over the incident, prompting Kim Yo Jong to describe Seoul’s apology as “sensible behavior.”

Seoul’s Unification Ministry interpreted the North’s statement as a signal for joint efforts to reduce tensions and prevent future accidents on the Korean Peninsula.

The drone incident comes amid both Koreas’ push to enhance military drone capabilities and underscores ongoing friction despite South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s attempts to improve relations since taking office in June 2025. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly dismissed those overtures.

By Vugar Khalilov