South Korean Fighter Jets Accidentally Drop Bombs on Civilian Area During Military Drill, Injuring Eight

Investigation Launched as Military Suspends Live-Fire Drills Nationwide

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States took a disastrous turn on Thursday when two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs outside a designated firing range, injuring eight people, including civilians and military personnel. The incident, which occurred in the city of Pocheon, near the heavily armed border with North Korea, has sparked widespread concern and an immediate military investigation into the cause of the error.

The South Korean Air Force confirmed that the bombs—identified as MK-82, a standard 500-pound general-purpose explosive—were released due to a navigational error during a one-day live-fire exercise. Officials suspect that incorrect coordinates for the bombing site were entered, leading the jets to release their payload over a civilian-populated area instead of the intended military range.

Casualties and Damage Report

The accidental bombings caused significant injuries and property damage. According to Pocheon’s disaster response department, six civilians and two soldiers sustained injuries, with four civilians reported to be in serious condition. Among the seriously injured, two are foreign nationals—one from Thailand and the other from Myanmar. The injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.

In addition to the human toll, three houses, a Catholic church, and a greenhouse sustained partial damage due to the powerful explosions. However, local officials stated that these structures were not directly hit by the bombs but rather suffered collateral damage from the impact.

South Korean Air Force Apologizes and Promises Compensation

In a public statement, the South Korean Air Force issued a formal apology for the incident, expressing deep regret over the harm caused to civilians and the local community. Officials assured the public that all affected individuals and property owners would receive full compensation and other necessary support.

The military has also launched a high-level investigation into the accident, establishing a special committee to determine the exact cause of the misfire and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Pocheon Mayor Demands Military Accountability

During a televised briefing, Pocheon Mayor Paek Young-hyun condemned the accidental bombings, calling the incident “awful” and urging the military to halt all drills in the city until stricter safety measures are implemented.

“Pocheon is home to three major firing ranges for South Korean and U.S. military exercises. While we support national defense efforts, the safety of our citizens must come first,” the mayor stated. “We demand immediate action to prevent such an incident from happening again.”

Nationwide Suspension of Live-Fire Drills

Following mounting criticism, South Korean military officials announced that they have temporarily suspended all live-fire drills across the country until a thorough investigation is completed. Defense experts believe the drills will likely resume only after the military identifies the root cause of the error and implements new safety protocols.

A Growing Concern Amid Heightened Tensions

The accident comes at a time of heightened military activity in the region, with both South Korea and the United States increasing joint drills in response to North Korea’s ongoing missile tests and military threats. Pocheon, due to its strategic location near the North Korean border, has long been a key site for military exercises, raising concerns about the risks posed to civilians living nearby.

This incident has reignited debates over military accountability, civilian safety, and the necessity of large-scale live-fire exercises in populated areas.

Military Officials Under Pressure to Prevent Future Accidents

With public outrage mounting and questions being raised about military oversight, the South Korean Air Force is under intense pressure to conduct a transparent investigation and implement immediate safety reforms to prevent another catastrophic accident.

Defense analysts warn that if safety concerns are not addressed, the government may face increased public resistance to large-scale military exercises, particularly those involving live ammunition near civilian areas.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims, assessing the damage, and ensuring that such an incident does not happen again.