South Korea Plans to Re-Activate No-Fly Zone to Prevent Drones from Entering North Korea

South Korea (South Korea) will actively seek to reactivate the no-fly zone along its border with North Korea (North Korea), as an effort to partially restore the 2018 inter-Korean military pact that was suspended, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said on Wednesday, in a move aimed at preventing the entry of civilian drones into North Korea (North Korea).

The National Defense Ministry also said it was reviewing the partial restoration of the military agreement in consultation with relevant government agencies and the United States.

The announcement came five days after the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Kim Yo-jong, urged Seoul to take steps to prevent further invasion.

Speaking at a news conference, Chung said the government was reviewing steps to revive parts of a military agreement from September 19, 2018, which created a buffer zone and flight restrictions aimed at reducing the risk of accidental clashes.

"In coordination with military authorities, the government will proactively review and seek the restoration of the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement, including the possibility of re-establishing a no-fly zone, to prevent accidental clashes and rebuild military trust," Chung said, launching The Korea Times (19/2).

The military pact was signed in Pyongyang between former President Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un. However, it was later suspended in 2024 as a result of increasing inter-Korean tensions.

Chung said the government would also seek to strengthen sanctions for drone flights without permission in prohibited airspace by revising the Aviation Safety Law, while working with local governments in border areas to ensure the safety of residents there.

"The government views this matter very seriously, and officially expresses its regret to North Korea," he explained.

Previously, Kim Yo-jong, in a statement released last Friday, called Chung's previous apology for the alleged drone violation "reasonable" and urged Seoul to ensure "such foolish actions will never be repeated."

Kim's statement followed comments made by Chung two days earlier in a congratulatory speech at a Catholic Mass, in which he expressed "deep regret" over the alleged drone attacks carried out by South Korean civilians on North Korea and said Seoul was seeking to live in peace with Pyongyang.

When asked if the timing of the statement on Wednesday, which coincided with the last day of the Lunar New Year holiday, was related to Kim's anniversary, Chung said the government had decided to clarify its official position during a meeting of security-related ministers held during the holiday.

The Unification Minister also revealed that the joint military-police investigation has so far confirmed four separate drone attacks by three civilian suspects.

The investigation team was formed after Pyongyang accused South Korean drones of entering its airspace in September last year and again on January 4.

According to the investigation, Chung said, the first incident occurred on September 27, 2025, in Ganghwa County, Incheon, and two more flights occurred on November 16 and 22, with the fourth launch on January 4 this year.

Of the four drones, two - sent in September 2025 and January - fell in North Korean territory. These findings are consistent with incidents previously revealed by Pyongyang, the minister said.

The joint investigation has been expanded to examine the possible involvement of South Korean government officials. On February 10, investigators searched the National Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Command.

"The results of the military and intelligence agencies' search, as well as the complete details of the drone incident, will be revealed to the public after the investigation is completed," the minister said.

Responding to criticism that the ministry's statement was premature because the investigation was still ongoing, Chung said that "admitting mistakes and expressing regret is the minimum necessary step to rebuild trust between the two Koreas."

The drone incident has complicated President Lee Jae Myung's administration's efforts to revive long-stalled dialogue with Pyongyang, which has so far remained unresponsive.

Some analysts say the North Korean accusations could also trigger anti-Seoul sentiment ahead of a major Labor Party congress expected to be held later this month.