South Korean Fighter Jets Misfire, Dropping Bombs in Pocheon and Injuring Eight

On March 6, 2025, two South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area in Pocheon, South Korea, during a joint live-fire exercise with the U.S. military. The incident resulted in injuries to eight individuals, prompting an apology from the air force and a commitment to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The incident occurred during a one-day live-fire drill near the heavily fortified border with North Korea. The bombs, MK-82 types, fell outside the designated firing range. The South Korean air force expressed regret over the incident and stated that it would provide compensation to the injured. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident, with initial reports suggesting incorrect coordinates were entered by a pilot.

Among the injured, six were civilians and two were soldiers, with four civilians reported in serious condition. Two of the seriously injured individuals are foreign nationals from Thailand and Myanmar. The local disaster response department confirmed that several structures, including homes and a church, sustained damage, although they were not directly hit by the bombs.

Pocheon Mayor Paek Young Hyeun condemned the incident, calling for a halt to military drills in the city until safety measures can be assured. Eyewitness accounts described the event as terrifying, with one resident stating that the sound of the explosions made her feel as though “a war has broken out.” In response to the incident, the military has suspended all live-fire exercises nationwide.

The accidental bombing in Pocheon highlights the risks associated with military training exercises near populated areas. As investigations continue, the South Korean military faces scrutiny over its operational procedures and the need for enhanced safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.