North Korea's powerful figure, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, has publicly demanded a "detailed explanation" from Seoul concerning an alleged drone incursion into North Korean airspace. This demand was made in a statement released on Sunday, January 11, 2026, via state media. Pyongyang claims that a drone originating from South Korea crossed into its territory, specifically over the city of Kaesong from the border county of Ganghwa, in early January 2026, reportedly on January 4. North Korea has presented photographic evidence of what it purports to be wreckage from the downed drone, which it claims was equipped with surveillance cameras to record sensitive facilities. In response, South Korea has firmly rejected North Korea's allegations of military involvement. Its Ministry of Defence stated that the drone in question does not correspond to any models operated by the South Korean military and affirmed that no military drones were operated on the dates cited by Pyongyang. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a "swift and rigorous investigation" by a joint military-police investigative team to ascertain the truth, including exploring the possibility of civilian drone operation. Kim Yo Jong, while appreciating Seoul's initial denial of intent to provoke, emphasized that the "actual case" of the drone crossing the border requires an explicit explanation, warning that South Korea would face "terrible consequences" if such alleged provocations continue. This incident marks another escalation in already fraught inter-Korean relations, following a similar alleged drone incursion in September 2025 and ongoing tensions.