S. Korea Applauds North’s Response to Drone Apology
The diplomatic exchange was set in motion on Monday, when South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret over drone flights into North Korean territory, attributing them to civilians operating in defiance of official government policy.
Pyongyang's reply came swiftly — and in notably warmer terms than usual. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, described Lee's remarks as "a manifestation of a frank and broad-minded man's attitude," adding that Pyongyang viewed them as "very fortunate and wise behavior."
Significantly, Kim Yo Jong's statement referred to Lee as the "president of the Republic of Korea" — believed to be the first time Pyongyang has acknowledged his title since he assumed office last year, according to media.
Seoul responded with cautious optimism. "We've assessed this as meaningful progress toward the establishment of peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula," a South Korean Unification Ministry official said, according to media. "There is no reason for the two Koreas to be hostile to each other, and hostility and confrontation do not help either side."
On Tuesday, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik told reporters that Lee had expressed his "strong will to restore trust between the two Koreas and voiced the need to ease military tensions." Kang firmly dismissed suggestions, however, that the president was considering dispatching a special envoy to the North.
"It is more important than ever to stably manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula during this crisis," Kang added. "Lee has long believed the two Koreas need to open a door that has been closed for a long time."
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