Seoul: South Korea has described North Korea’s response to its recent apology over a drone incident as a small but meaningful step toward easing tensions between the two countries.
The development comes after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret over drones that entered North Korean airspace earlier this year. He said the actions were not approved by the government and were carried out by a spy agency official and a military officer without proper authority. The incident was described as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a rare and softer response, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said the apology was a wise move. Her remarks were seen as an unusual shift in tone from Pyongyang, which often reacts strongly to such incidents.
South Korean officials said this response offers a chance to reduce tensions, even though the situation remains fragile. The two countries are still technically at war since the Korean War ended in a truce rather than a peace agreement.
Despite the positive language, North Korea also warned South Korea against making further contact and maintained its position that the South remains a hostile state. Analysts believe the response may be a careful and controlled move by Pyongyang to manage tensions rather than signal a major policy change.
The drone incident had initially been denied by Seoul, but later investigations confirmed links to officials, leading to the public apology. The issue had raised concerns of possible escalation, as North Korea has previously reacted strongly to perceived airspace violations.
While both sides remain cautious, the latest exchange has created a small opening for dialogue in a region that has seen rising tensions in recent years.