Pyongyang, North Korea

North Korea has accused South Korea of flying drones over its territory for propaganda purposes. Pyongyang labelled this as a violation of its sovereignty, reported the country's state media outlet KCNA on Monday (Oct 28). 

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This claim follows an investigation by North Korea's defence ministry, which alleged that South Korean drones entered Pyongyang airspace at least three times this month, allegedly scattering anti-North Korean leaflets.

Photos released by KCNA show what it claims to be a downed South Korean drone. 

Also read | North Korea claims 1.4 million youth applied to the army in two days for 'sacred war' against South Korea

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What did the North Korean investigation find?

North Korean officials said that analysis of the drone's control logs revealed over 230 flights since June 2023, including one plan marked to disperse "political motivational rubbish". 

A specific record dated October 8 allegedly showed a drone leaving Baengnyeongdo, a South Korean border island late at night, and dropping leaflets over foreign and defence ministry buildings in Pyongyang.

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A North Korea spokesperson has warned the South of a "merciless offensive" if the alleged incursions recur, reports KCNA.

South Korea's response

South Korea's defence ministry has not formally responded to the allegations, but had previously described such claims as "not worth verifying or a response".

The incident comes amid escalating tensions, with both nations reportedly using unconventional methods for propaganda. Since May, North Korea has been sending balloons filled with trash into South Korean territory, while the South has resumed loudspeaker broadcasts near the two countries' border. 

Also read | North Korea says deployment of troops in Russia won’t breach international law

Meanwhile, international concerns have heightened as North Korea reportedly sent 3,000 troops to Russia for possible deployment in Ukraine. Pyongyang insisted last Friday that any such military support for Russia would be in line with international law.

(With inputs from agencies)