A senior official from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has called on the Republic of Korea (ROK) to provide a "detailed explanation" regarding a drone that allegedly entered DPRK airspace earlier this month, according to a statement published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, emphasized the gravity of the incident in a press release dated January 10. She asserted that the drone captured video footage of sensitive sites, including a uranium mine and former Kaesong Industrial Zone, raising security concerns.
While acknowledging the ROK Defense Ministry's recent pledge to avoid provocation, Kim criticized attempts to dismiss the January 4 incident as a "civilian case." She stressed that accountability lies with ROK authorities regardless of the drone's origin, stating, "The core issue is the violation of our sovereignty."
In response, ROK President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a full investigation, mobilizing military and police task forces. The ROK Defense Ministry denied involvement, clarifying that no military drones were operational during the specified period and that the device did not match their inventory.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of cross-border relations in early 2026, with analysts noting potential implications for regional stability and inter-Korean dialogue prospects.
