• North Korea threatens a "terrible response" if South Korea continues drone incursions.
• Kim Yo Jong warns of severe consequences for violations of North Korean sovereignty.
• South Korean President Lee Jae Myung seeks to improve ties but faces challenges.
• Seoul's Unification Minister expressed "deep regret" over recent drone incidents.
• Investigation underway into potential government involvement in drone activities.

North Korea has issued a **strong warning** regarding incursions by drones from South Korea, threatening a "terrible response" if such actions continue. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, emphasized that any repetition of what she termed as provocations that violate North Korean sovereignty would be met with severe repercussions. This statement was disseminated by the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA), highlighting North Korea's vigilant stance on its airspace integrity, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

The tensions arise as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung aims to mend relations with North Korea, amid accusations that the previous administration employed drones for propaganda over Pyongyang. Kim reiterated that North Korea holds no interest in the identity of those responsible for the drone incursions, whether individuals or civilian organizations, as her government has already addressed a previous incident where a surveillance drone was shot down, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

Seoul has denied any official involvement in the January drone incident, which North Korea claims involved surveillance devices capturing images of sensitive areas. Investigations are currently ongoing into the actions of three active-duty soldiers and one staffer from a South Korean intelligence agency, prompted by suspicions of possible government involvement, undermining Lee's conciliatory efforts. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young expressed "deep regret" over the drone issue, echoing sentiments of responsibility without admitting official complicity, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Experts, including Yang Moo-jin from the University of North Korean Studies, note that North Korea's rapid response indicates a close monitoring of developments in South Korea, with any indicator of government action against the backdrop of Lee's efforts to de-escalate tensions posing significant risks to diplomatic talks. Meanwhile, as North Korea prepares for a pivotal party congress later this month, it is expected to set forth its future foreign policy and military strategies, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.