A joint military exercise involving South Korean and U.S. forces turned tragic on Thursday when two South Korean fighter jets mistakenly bombed the village of Nogok, located near the North Korean border. The incident, resulting in injuries to seven individuals and damage to residential buildings and a church, highlighted serious concerns regarding military operations in sensitive regions.
South Korean Military Misfire Injures Civilians in Border Village
South Korean Military Misfire Injures Civilians in Border Village
Accidental bombing during joint U.S.-South Korea drill leaves seven in hospital as military suspends exercises for investigation.
On March 6, 2025, at approximately 2:39 AM ET, the South Korean military reported that two F-15K jets were conducting routine live-fire drills as part of the "Freedom Shield" exercise. Each aircraft reportedly dropped four bombs intended for a distant range; however, due to inaccurate coordinates entered by one of the pilots, at least one bomb struck the village, about 20 miles from the fortified North Korean border.
Local hospital officials confirmed that two individuals sustained serious injuries in the bombing but clarified that none were in critical condition. As residents described the chaos, one shopkeeper recounted experiencing an explosion that felt like an earthquake, damaging windows and property within a 700-foot radius. Photos circulated by local media captured the extent of destruction, revealing a demolished house, a damaged Catholic church, and uprooted pine trees.
In response to the incident, the South Korean Air Force announced the immediate suspension of live-fire drills pending a thorough investigation. Simultaneously, an official apology was conveyed and promises of compensation for affected civilians were made. The ongoing military exercises, labeled as defensive by both nations, have drawn sharp criticism from North Korea, which perceives them as provocations. Amid these rising tensions, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, condemned continued U.S.-South Korea military collaboration as a form of hostility.
Moving forward, the South Korean military emphasized the importance of accuracy in operations, especially within sensitive border jurisdictions. Both allied forces have a history of conducting multiple exercises annually, which they declare necessary for regional security. With rising discontent from North Korea regarding military drills, experts may anticipate heightened diplomatic tensions amid ongoing military presence in the region.
Local hospital officials confirmed that two individuals sustained serious injuries in the bombing but clarified that none were in critical condition. As residents described the chaos, one shopkeeper recounted experiencing an explosion that felt like an earthquake, damaging windows and property within a 700-foot radius. Photos circulated by local media captured the extent of destruction, revealing a demolished house, a damaged Catholic church, and uprooted pine trees.
In response to the incident, the South Korean Air Force announced the immediate suspension of live-fire drills pending a thorough investigation. Simultaneously, an official apology was conveyed and promises of compensation for affected civilians were made. The ongoing military exercises, labeled as defensive by both nations, have drawn sharp criticism from North Korea, which perceives them as provocations. Amid these rising tensions, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, condemned continued U.S.-South Korea military collaboration as a form of hostility.
Moving forward, the South Korean military emphasized the importance of accuracy in operations, especially within sensitive border jurisdictions. Both allied forces have a history of conducting multiple exercises annually, which they declare necessary for regional security. With rising discontent from North Korea regarding military drills, experts may anticipate heightened diplomatic tensions amid ongoing military presence in the region.
