SEOUL: South and North Korea are embroiled in a heated dispute over allegations of South Korean drones infiltrating North Korean airspace, a claim firmly denied by Seoul’s Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun. This controversy follows a series of accusations by North Korea that drones from the South had flown over Pyongyang three times in October, allegedly to drop leaflets critical of the Kim Jong-un regime.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Korea JoongAng Daily, when questioned about the issue in the National Assembly, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun initially denied any military involvement in sending drones to North Korean airspace. However, within an hour, his response shifted to a non-committal stance, stating he could not confirm the veracity of North Korea’s claims. This ambiguity has led to a variety of theories regarding the true nature of the drone flights, including possible actions by South Korean forces, civilian groups, or even North Korea itself fabricating the incidents to strengthen internal contr
ol or incite animosity against Seoul.
In response to a previous incident in December 2022, where North Korea flew drones into South Korean airspace, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration established the Drone Operations Headquarters in 2023 to bolster its aerial security capabilities. The recent Armed Forces Day parade showcased these new sophisticated drones, suggesting enhanced stealth capabilities that could potentially breach North Korean airspace undetected.
Further complicating the issue, Park Sang-hak, a leader of a civilian group known for opposing the North Korean regime, denied any involvement in the recent alleged drone flights. These developments occur amid a backdrop of heightened tensions, highlighted by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, warning of “a terrible disaster” should South Korean drones be found in their airspace again.
The National Security Office Director, Shin Won-shik, remarked on the improbability of North Korea initiating conflict, suggesting that such an act w
ould be akin to self-destruction. Despite these tensions, both nations have engaged in provocations, with North Korea sending waste balloons into the South, raising concerns over an accidental clash.
In light of these events, Seoul’s stance has been one of caution, aiming to manage the escalating situation carefully to avoid any unintended military confrontations.