South Korean Jets Drop Bombs on Civilian Area, 29 Injured

The number of people injured in an accidental bombing by South Korean fighter jets on a civilian area has risen to 29, according to the National Defense Ministry.

Among the injured are 15 civilians and 14 military personnel. Seven civilians and two soldiers remain hospitalized, with two civilians listed in serious condition. Twenty others have received treatment and been discharged.

Accident During Military Training

The incident occurred on Thursday during military training in Pocheon, a northeastern city near the heavily fortified border with North Korea. U.S. and South Korean forces were conducting a live-fire drill in preparation for Freedom Shield, an annual joint military exercise scheduled to begin on Monday.

During the drill, two South Korean air force KF-16s “abnormally released” a total of eight 500-pound MK-82 bombs, which landed outside the designated firing range.

Response and Investigation

While Freedom Shield is proceeding as planned, Col. Ryan Donald, spokesperson for U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), announced that U.S. and South Korean militaries have agreed to pause all live-fire training until further notice.

It was confirmed that no U.S. Air Force aircraft participated in the exercise.

South Korea, a close U.S. ally, hosts nearly 30,000 U.S. service members. The Freedom Shield exercise, spanning 10 days from March 10, aims to bolster the alliance's combined defense posture against growing threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.

North Korean Response

North Korea criticized Freedom Shield on Friday, claiming it would escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and violate its "sovereignty, security, and interests.” The state-run KCNA news agency warned that if the U.S. persists in military posturing, North Korea will be forced to respond with strategic deterrence.