North Korean Leader's Sister Calls Seoul's Drone Apology Insufficient

Kim Yo Jong says South Korea's regret over drone flights was reasonable but did not go far enough.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated on Friday that while a South Korean official's expression of regret over recent drone flights was reasonable, it was ultimately insufficient. Her comments come after South Korea acknowledged its failure to shoot down several North Korean drones that crossed the border in December 2022.

Why it matters

The drone incursions and subsequent response from Seoul have heightened tensions between the two Koreas, which remain in a technical state of war. Kim Yo Jong's remarks suggest North Korea is unsatisfied with South Korea's handling of the incident and may seek further retaliation or concessions.

The details

In her statement, Kim Yo Jong said the South Korean official's expression of regret was "the right thing to do and an appropriate response." However, she added that it did not go far enough and that Seoul should have taken "more serious" measures. The North Korean drone flights were seen as a provocation, with South Korea failing to shoot them down despite having the capability to do so.

  • The North Korean drone flights occurred in December 2022.
  • Kim Yo Jong made her comments on February 13, 2026.

The players

Kim Yo Jong

The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official in the North Korean government.

South Korean Government Official

A South Korean government official who expressed regret over the North Korean drone flights.

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What they’re saying

“The right thing to do and an appropriate response, but it did not go far enough. They should have taken more serious measures.”

— Kim Yo Jong, Senior North Korean Official (myplainview.com)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the continued tensions and distrust between North and South Korea, even as both sides have sought to improve relations in recent years. Kim Yo Jong's comments suggest North Korea may take further provocative actions if it believes South Korea's response was insufficient, potentially escalating the situation on the Korean Peninsula.