Drones over North Korea. Three civilians under investigation

The government in Seoul has announced plans to reinstate a no-fly zone to avoid clashes with the regime in Pyongyang. “Together with the military authorities, we will conduct a preventive review and seek to restore the September 19 military agreement, including the no-fly zone,” stated Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young. The government in Seoul “expresses regret” over the drone incidents. Kim Yo Jong of North Korea’s State Affairs Commission described the South Korean government’s actions as “a rather reasonable response.”

The military agreement in question was signed in September 2018. Its purpose was to completely cease hostile activities in the border area, including aerial operations within the buffer zone. The agreement was suspended by both sides between 2023 and 2024 amid growing hostility and mutual accusations of provocations.

An investigation is currently underway against three individuals who allegedly sent drones across the border four times between September 2025 and January 2026. The suspects face charges of violating aviation law and acting in favor of the enemy. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the civilians may have cooperated with a foreign intelligence service.

The South Korean administration plans to tighten penalties for unauthorized flights in the buffer zone to up to one year in prison or 10 million won (approximately USD 6,900). The government in Seoul aims to de-escalate tensions and rebuild trust between the armed forces of both nations.

Relations between the two Koreas deteriorated sharply in April 2025. Then-President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly ordered the deployment of 18 military drones toward North Korea. The move was reportedly intended to provoke a conflict and justify the imposition of martial law in South Korea. Kim Yo Jong has warned that any repeat of such provocations would trigger a “terrible situation.”