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| ▲ The file photo taken Feb. 10, 2018, shows Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) N Korea-drone incursion
(LEAD) Kim Yo-jong says N. Korean leader calls Lee 'frank, broad-minded' for his regret over drone incident
(ATTN: ADDS response from Cheong Wa Dae in last para)
SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said Monday the leader Kim described President Lee Jae Myung as "frank and broad-minded" following Lee's expression of regret over unauthorized drone flights into the North.
Earlier in the day, Lee expressed regret over the incident at a Cabinet meeting, saying "Although this was not an act by our government, I express regret to the North Korean side over the unnecessary military tension caused by such reckless behavior."
In a statement released by the North's state media under her name, Kim, who serves as department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, said Pyongyang "appreciated it as a very fortunate and wise behavior."
"Our head of state commented on it as a manifestation of a frank and broad-minded man's attitude," the statement read.
However, she also warned Seoul "should stop any reckless provocation" against Pyongyang and "refrain from any attempt at contact, instead of paying lip-service to the utmost importance of peace and security."
Late Monday, Cheong Wa Dae said it "hopes the swift inter-Korean exchange of views will contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula," adding that the government will "continue to work toward peaceful coexistence."
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