SEOUL, South Korea — In a recent development, North Korea announced on Saturday that it has discovered the remains of a South Korean drone during an inspection in its capital, Pyongyang. North Korean officials assert that this drone serves as evidence for their claim that the South’s military has engaged in unauthorized drone flights over the skies of the capital earlier this month.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published images showcasing what appeared to be a damaged drone featuring wide, V-shaped wings. According to North Korea, a collaborative inquiry by the military and state security agencies found that this drone, allegedly located on October 13, resembles one seen during a South Korean military exhibition earlier in the month.
North Korea has leveled accusations at South Korea for allegedly deploying drones over Pyongyang on three occasions within the month to release anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets. The North has warned of a forceful response should these drone operations occur again.
The aircraft purportedly discovered in Pyongyang is believed to be among those used to disseminate propaganda leaflets, as stated by North Korea’s Defense Ministry. However, further analysis will be needed to confirm this assertion.
In the event South Korea disputes the claim that the drone was utilized for leaflet distribution, North Korean officials contend that such a denial would expose a different incursion by the South’s military into North Korean airspace. The ministry further warned that if confirmed, any infringement of territorial airspace, land, or waters by South Korea would be treated as a “declaration of war,” prompting immediate retaliatory measures.
South Korea’s military has yet to publicly respond to the allegations regarding the supposed drone discovery. Initially, South Korea’s defense minister provided a non-specific denial following North Korea’s accusations on October 11 regarding drone incursions. However, later comments from the South’s military noted that they could not verify whether North Korea’s claims held any truth.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated sharply, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un intensifying weapons tests and issuing threats. There are also claims from South Korea that North Korea has sent troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting a growing military alliance between the two nations.
The hostile relations have been further strained by psychological warfare strategies reminiscent of Cold War tactics between the two Koreas in recent months. Since May, North Korea has reportedly launched thousands of balloons carrying hazardous materials such as paper waste and plastic into South Korea. In retaliation, the South’s military has employed loudspeakers along the border to broadcast propaganda messages and K-pop music aimed at North Korea.
North Korea is highly reactive to any external criticism directed at Kim’s autocratic regime and the dynastic rule of his family, displaying a strong sensitivity to challenges against its governance.