In a concerning incident, South Korean fighter jets mistakenly released bombs on a civilian area, resulting in injuries to 15 civilians and 14 soldiers, as reported by the country’s defense ministry. The injuries ranged from ear damage to migraines and anxiety, with nine individuals currently hospitalized, including two in serious condition. The occurrence took place in Pocheon, located about 40 kilometers northeast of Seoul, outside the designated training zone near the border with North Korea. The mishap was attributed to a pilot inputting incorrect coordinates during joint live-fire exercises, causing eight 500-pound Mk82 bombs to land off-target. Consequently, live-fire exercises have been halted pending further investigation, though this incident is not anticipated to impact upcoming joint military drills with the United States. Protests have emerged in response to the incident, with activists and residents calling for a reassessment of military exercises that jeopardize the safety and peace of local communities.
