South Korea’s defense ministry announced plans to reinstate a no-fly zone within the 2018 inter-Korean military pact, aiming to avoid impacting military readiness. Discussions are underway with the United States to partially restore the pact, following Unification Minister Chung Dong-young’s disclosure of the government’s intentions. The move, initiated by President Lee Jae Myung’s administration to mend ties with North Korea, seeks to prevent unintended military clashes along the heavily fortified border.
President Moon Jae-in’s administration had initially signed the inter-Korean military pact in September 2018. The pact was fully suspended in June 2024 during the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration, citing North Korea’s actions violating UN Security Council resolutions. The defense ministry, in coordination with relevant ministries and the US, is considering measures to ensure military readiness is maintained while reinstating the no-fly zone. This decision follows concerns over potential surveillance gaps against North Korea if the no-fly zone is only reinstated on the South’s side.
Chung Binna, a spokesperson for the defense ministry, emphasized the need for supplementary measures to uphold the military’s readiness posture. Recent drone incidents involving South Korean civilians crossing into North Korea have raised tensions. North Korea has demanded preventive actions against such incursions, prompting South Korea to investigate and pledge measures to prevent future drone intrusions. Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, acknowledged South Korea’s commitment to preventing drone incursions while reinforcing vigilance along the border.
