The number of people injured in the accidental bombing of a South Korean village by military jets has risen to 29.
The incident occurred when two KF-16 fighter jets, participating in joint military exercises with the United States, mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs on a village in Pocheon, about 43 km north of Seoul.
Among the injured, 15 were civilians and 14 were soldiers. Nine people remain hospitalized, with two in serious condition. The bombs, each weighing around 225 kg, landed outside the designated training range, causing explosions that destroyed homes and a church. Tremors from the blast were felt nearly 1 km away, forcing the evacuation of villagers to a local town hall.
Preliminary findings suggest that the accident was caused by a pilot entering the wrong coordinates for the bombing site. In response, South Korea has suspended all live-fire exercises and training flights involving its air force aircraft until a full investigation is completed. However, the larger Freedom Shield military exercises with the U.S. will continue, with fire drills and flight training resuming after corrective measures are in place.
The government has allocated 300 million won (£160,790) in disaster relief funds to support emergency recovery efforts in Pocheon. The funds will be used for temporary housing and psychological support for displaced residents. Acting Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang Min assured affected families that the government would do everything possible to help them rebuild their lives quickly.
Meanwhile, anger over the incident has sparked protests. Residents and activists gathered near the Defense Ministry in Seoul, calling for an end to military drills that they say disrupt their communities and endanger lives. Many have long voiced concerns about the risks posed by training exercises in the area, questioning who these drills truly serve.
As investigations continue, authorities are under pressure to ensure such an incident never happens again.