The South Korean air force has issued an apology after one of their fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs in the wrong area during a training exercise on Thursday. The bombs, each weighing about 225 kilograms, were dropped outside of the designated firing range in the village of Nogok-ri, causing injuries to 15 civilians and damage to several buildings.

The incident occurred at approximately 10am local time (0100 GMT) in Nogok-ri, which is located about 16 miles (25 kilometers) from the heavily armed border with North Korea. The air force has announced an investigation into the matter.

South Korean media reported that the error occurred when the pilot entered incorrect coordinates for the bomb drop. The incident took place during live-fire exercises involving both the air force and the army, in preparation for joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, known as Freedom Shield, which are scheduled to take place from March 10-20.

The live-fire exercises have been suspended while military authorities investigate the cause of the incident. Six civilians, including two people from Thailand and Myanmar, were injured and are receiving treatment at hospitals. Several other civilians experienced feelings of anxiety.

Local residents have long complained about the noise, disruption, and potential danger caused by military exercises in the area. One man, identified only by his surname Park, witnessed the accident and described the house shaking and chaos in the streets after the explosions.

The incident occurred at around 10am local time.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/06/south-korea-military-jet-bombs-dropped-civilians-live-fire-drill