North Korea leader’s sister says Seoul’s regret sending drones ‘wise behaviour’

North Korea's Kim Yo Jong praises South Korea's regret over drone incursion as wise while warning against future provocations.

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Monday (April 6, 2026) that the regret expressed by Seoul over a January drone incursion into the North is “wise behaviour”.

Earlier in the day, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret to Pyongyang over drones sent into the nuclear-armed North earlier this year, actions he called “irresponsible”.

“The ROK president personally expressed regret and talked about a measure for preventing recurrence. Our government appreciated it as very fortunate and wise behaviour for its own sake,” Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, using the official name of South Korea.

Seoul initially denied any official role in the January drone incursion — with authorities suggesting it was the work of civilians — but Mr. Lee said a probe had revealed government officials had been involved.

The North warned in February of a “terrible response” if it detects more drones crossing the border from the South, prompting Seoul to investigate the claims.

Pyongyang said it downed a drone carrying “surveillance equipment” in early January.