North Korea says South Korea’s Lee is ‘wise’ for expressing regret about drones

North Korea said it welcomed a rare conciliatory statement from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressing regret over drone incursions across the border.

The remarks were described by Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, as “wise” and a positive gesture.

South Korea said the incidents were caused by individuals acting against government policy and that an investigation found involvement by a military official and an intelligence employee.

Pyongyang has accused Seoul of violating its airspace and provoking tensions, while relations between the two countries have remained strained, Reuters has reported.

Despite the dispute, the exchange of comments marks a rare moment of softer tone between the two sides.