Seoul: The defense ministry announced Thursday its intention to advocate for the reinstatement of a no-fly zone under the suspended 2018 inter-Korean military pact, while ensuring it does not compromise military readiness.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry is consulting with the United States regarding Seoul's initiative to partially restore the military pact. This comes after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young revealed the government's plan to "preemptively" reinstate the pact. The agreement, originally signed in September 2018 during former President Moon Jae-in's administration, aims to prevent unintended military clashes along the heavily fortified border.
During a regular briefing, ministry spokesperson Chung Binna stated that discussions are ongoing with relevant ministries and the U.S. about partially restoring the pact, specifically regarding the no-fly zone. The defense ministry plans to develop supplementary measures to maintain military readiness, addressing concerns about potentially weakened surveillance against North Korea if the no-fly zone is reinstated solely on the South's side.
President Lee Jae Myung's administration is working towards restoring the pact, which was fully suspended in June 2024 under former President Yoon Suk Yeol's government. The suspension was due to North Korea's balloon campaigns and the launch of a military spy satellite, both of which violated U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Chung's recent remarks follow his expression of regret over South Korean civilians sending drones into North Korea, which the North condemned as a sovereignty violation. North Korea has repeatedly demanded that South Korea prevent further drone incursions, accusing Seoul of deploying drones with surveillance equipment in September and on January 4. These incidents have prompted the South Korean government to initiate an official investigation.
In response, Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued a statement on Thursday expressing appreciation for South Korea's commitment to preventing future drone incursions. She also vowed to enhance North Korea's vigilance along the border with the South.