Pyongyang: A North Korean official stated that a recent comment by Kim Yo-jong, issued after President Lee Jae Myung's expression of regret over drone incursions, should be perceived as a direct warning. This statement dismissed Seoul's interpretation as merely "wishful thinking."

According to Yonhap News Agency, Jang Kum-chol, North Korea's first vice foreign minister, released a statement following South Korean officials' positive reception of Kim's remarks on Monday. Kim Yo-jong had described President Lee as "frank and broad-minded" in the aftermath of his apology for unauthorized drone activities by certain individuals towards North Korea.

Jang asserted that the South Korean interpretation of Kim's statement as an "unprecedented favorable response" was a "pipe dream" and a "wishful interpretation." He emphasized that "the core of the statement was a clear warning."

Jang further noted that South Korea's status as North Korea's "most hostile state" persists, regardless of Seoul's statements or actions. He cited South Korea's involvement in U.N. resolutions condemning North Korean human rights abuses as contributing to this unchanged perception.