A South Korean fighter jet accidentally dropped eight 500-pound bombs on a civilian area during a joint military exercise with the U.S. Air Force on Thursday, injuring eight people.
The unexpected bombing occurred in Pocheon, a city near the North Korean border. According to the South Korean Air Force, the MK-82 bombs were “abnormally” released from a KF-16 fighter jet, falling outside the designated firing range. The explosion caused significant damage, including to houses and a church.
“We sincerely apologize for the damage caused by this accident and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the South Korean Air Force stated, adding that a special committee would investigate the incident and assess the extent of civilian damages. They also pledged to provide compensation for victims.
Extent of Injuries and Damage
South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that five civilians and two soldiers were injured. Two of the victims sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Seven buildings were damaged, with images showing collapsed houses and rubble-strewn streets.
Residents in Pocheon have long protested against military exercises in the area, citing the disturbance and potential danger from training grounds nearby.
U.S. Yet to Comment
The United States has not yet issued an official statement on the accident.
The incident occurred just days before South Korea and the U.S. are set to begin their annual Freedom Shield military exercise on Monday. Running until March 20, the joint drills aim to enhance readiness against threats from North Korea and incorporate lessons from recent global conflicts.
“Our planners analyze trends across the world and integrate them into our exercises,” said Ryan Donald, a spokesperson for the United States Forces Korea (USFK).
North Korea’s Response
North Korea has historically condemned U.S.-South Korea military drills as rehearsals for invasion and often responds with missile tests and hostile rhetoric.
Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, recently accused the U.S. of escalating tensions and threatened to take strategic countermeasures. Observers speculate that North Korea may soon test-fire nuclear-capable missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
Since his January 20 inauguration, former President Donald Trump has suggested reaching out to Kim Jong Un to revive stalled diplomacy. However, North Korea has not formally responded, citing increased U.S. hostilities since Trump’s return to office.
Kim and Trump previously met three times between 2018 and 2019 to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program, but negotiations collapsed when Trump rejected Kim’s offer to dismantle a key nuclear complex in exchange for extensive sanctions relief.
Upcoming Military Drills
This year’s Freedom Shield exercise will include about 70 combined field training sessions, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Despite tensions, South Korea and the U.S. remain committed to strengthening their military alliance, even as accidents like the Pocheon bombing raise concerns about civilian safety.
