South Korea’s Air Force chief, Lee Young-su, publicly apologized for a bombing accident last week in Pocheon, which injured 29 people. The incident occurred when fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a civilian area.
South Korea's Air Force chief, Lee Young-su, issued a public apology following a bombing accident last week that left 29 people injured in the town of Pocheon, located about 40 kilometers northeast of Seoul. The incident occurred on Thursday when two South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a civilian area.
Lee described the event as “unprecedented,” expressing regret for the destruction it caused. In his apology, he stated that the Air Force was deeply sorry for disrupting the peaceful lives of local residents, injuring them, and causing property damage.
The accident injured 15 civilians and 14 soldiers, with two civilians suffering serious injuries. The Air Force’s investigation revealed that one of the pilots failed to double-check the coordinates before the bombing, and the second pilot followed the first, also dropping bombs based on the incorrect coordinates.
Lee emphasized that the accident was an error that should never have occurred and vowed it would not happen again.
Despite the incident, South Korea's Ministry of Defense confirmed that its annual joint military exercises with the United States would proceed as scheduled, starting today. However, live-fire drills will remain suspended until the investigation is completed.
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