North Korea's state media, KCNA, reported on January 10, 2026, that a South Korean drone entered its airspace on January 4, violating its sovereignty. This claim was widely reported by international news outlets including Reuters. According to Pyongyang, the drone, originating from an island in South Korea's Incheon, flew 8km into North Korean territory before being shot down. KCNA also released photos of what it claimed were fragments of the drone and surveillance footage of North Korean facilities. South Korea promptly refuted these accusations. Its military stated that it did not operate any drones on the specified date and denied possessing the drone model displayed by North Korea. South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek labeled North Korea's claims as "absolutely untrue" and suggested a joint investigation, also indicating that President Lee Jae Myung had ordered a thorough inquiry into the possibility of civilian drone involvement. This is not an isolated incident; North Korea had previously accused South Korea of a similar drone incursion in September 2025, during which another drone was allegedly shot down near Kaesong. Earlier accusations also surfaced in October 2024. Analysts suggest the timing of these recent claims, ahead of a crucial North Korean party congress, could be intended to solidify leader Kim Jong Un's narrative of South Korea as a hostile entity, potentially impacting future inter-Korean policies. The ongoing exchange of accusations further strains efforts by South Korea's liberal government to re-engage with Pyongyang and de-escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.