South Korea announced plans to partially restore the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement. This initiative aims to rebuild military confidence following multiple unauthorized civilian drone flights into North Korea. Consequently, the government seeks to prevent accidental clashes and reduce cross-border tensions.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young disclosed the position during a Wednesday news conference. He formally expressed regret to North Korea over drone flights conducted on January fourth. A joint military-police task force has been investigating the incident since Pyongyang’s public condemnation. Therefore, the government response combines diplomatic apology with concrete preventive measures.
Chung revealed that three South Korean civilians conducted four unauthorized drone flights. These occurred on September twenty-seventh, November sixteenth, November twenty-second of 2025, and January fourth of 2026. All launches originated from Ganghwa, Incheon. Two drones crashed in North Korean territory, while two passed over Kaesong and returned south.
The task force identified the suspects by their surnames: Oh, who allegedly flew the drones; Jang, a drone manufacturing company owner; and Kim, the firm’s North Korea affairs executive. Additionally, Defense Intelligence Command personnel and a National Intelligence Service employee face investigation for potentially benefiting the enemy.
Chung emphasized the government will pursue legal measures beyond simple violation penalties. The Unification Ministry plans to strengthen provisions under the Aviation Safety Act. Currently, unauthorized drone flights in restricted airspace carry fines up to five million won. The proposed amendment would increase penalties to one year imprisonment or fines up to ten million won.
Furthermore, the ministry will seek amendments to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act. A new provision would specifically ban acts that heighten military tensions, including drone flights into North Korea. Therefore, legal frameworks will explicitly address inter-Korean security concerns.
The proposed partial restoration focuses particularly on reestablishing no-fly zones. The 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement originally established no-fly zones for all aircraft above the Military Demarcation Line. These provisions took effect in November 2018. However, North Korea fully suspended the agreement in November 2023 following Seoul’s partial suspension over the North’s spy satellite launch.
Chung confirmed the restoration proposal represents the official government position. Security-related ministers reached consensus during early Lunar New Year holiday meetings. The Defense Ministry confirmed it is reviewing partial restoration in consultation with relevant ministries and United States Forces Korea. Consequently, the initiative enjoys inter-ministerial and alliance support.
The announcement follows Kim Yo-jong’s February twelfth statement. The North Korean leader’s sister called on South Korea to prevent similar incidents and warned of consequences for future violations. She characterized Chung’s official expression of regret as fortunate and relatively common-sense. Therefore, the diplomatic channel remains minimally functional despite tensions.
Chung’s February tenth expression of deep regret over reckless drone incursions preceded this formal response. The coordinated approach combines regret with concrete action to prevent recurrence. Building military confidence requires both acknowledgment of violations and structural prevention mechanisms.
The drone incidents occur against a sensitive political backdrop. North Korea prepares to convene its ninth party congress later this month. The gathering will unveil domestic and foreign policy direction for the next five years. Consequently, South Korea seeks to stabilize relations before major policy announcements.
Legal experts note the proposed penalty increases carry symbolic significance. Raising violations from fines to imprisonment signals heightened government seriousness. It also provides prosecutors with stronger deterrence tools. Therefore, military confidence building extends beyond diplomacy into domestic enforcement.
The involvement of active-duty intelligence personnel raises additional concerns. Allegations of benefiting the enemy carry severe penalties under Korean law. These investigations may reveal broader patterns of unauthorized activity. Consequently, the drone incidents triggered multiple simultaneous accountability processes.
Defense Ministry coordination with US Forces Korea reflects alliance considerations. No-fly zone restoration affects United Nations Command responsibilities. American forces maintain operational control over specific military functions. Therefore, Seoul must coordinate with Washington on implementation details.
Timing considerations remain unclear. Chung declined to specify when restoration might occur, stating only that the government will speak at an appropriate time. Inter-ministerial consultations are complete, but announcement timing depends on multiple factors. These likely include North Korean reactions and broader regional dynamics.
Looking ahead, successful restoration could reduce accidental clash risks. No-fly zones provide clear operational boundaries that both sides understand. They also create monitoring mechanisms that build transparency and trust. Therefore, military confidence depends on predictable, enforceable agreements.
In conclusion, South Korea’s proposed partial agreement restoration responds directly to unauthorized drone flights. The initiative combines diplomatic regret with legal strengthening and structural prevention. Reestablishing no-fly zones represents the centerpiece of this military confidence building effort. Success depends on North Korean reciprocity and sustained implementation.
