Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued a stern warning to the South Korean government on the 12th, stating that if drones were to approach Pyongyang again, Seoul would face a “terrible disaster.” This statement comes after she accused South Korea of deploying drones to the capital.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse, North Korea claimed that South Korea sent drones over central Pyongyang on October 3, 9, and 10, distributing propaganda materials.
Initially, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-suk denied these allegations. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff later adjusted their stance, stating they “cannot confirm the validity of North Korea’s accusations.”
Kim Yo-jong, an important spokesperson for the North Korean regime, expressed concerns that Seoul’s refusal to acknowledge these claims implied that the drones were sent by “military rogues,” a term she used to refer to the South Korean military.
In a statement released last night, she said, “Should South Korean drones be discovered over our capital again, it will inevitably lead to a terrible disaster.”
North Korean state media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported that these drones were allegedly used to disseminate anti-regime propaganda, spreading “provocative rumors and nonsense.” They labeled the incident as “a willful violation of international law and a serious military attack.”
For years, South Korean activists have been sending balloons filled with anti-Kim propaganda across the border, despite government restrictions. These balloons often contain not only pamphlets critical of Kim Jong-un but also USB drives loaded with South Korean pop music and dramas, provoking strong reactions from North Korea.
In response, the North Korean government has launched over 6,000 garbage balloons towards South Korea since May.