- Freedom Shield 25 kicks off between South Korea and the US on March 10, 2025.
- Live-fire drills halted after South Korean jets bomb civilian area, 15 injured.
- North Korea fires back with ballistic missiles.
- Probe launched to prevent future mishaps.
South Korea and the United States kicked off their annual joint military exercise, Freedom Shield 25, on March 10, 2025. The drills, which will run until March 20, aim to improve readiness against potential threats. However, there’s been a change in plans following a recent incident.
Due to the accidental bombing in a civilian area, the live-fire components of the drills have been temporarily suspended. Authorities decided to halt these exercises while investigations take place. This decision aims to prevent any further accidents and ensure safety during the remaining drills.
On March 6, two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs on Nogok village in Pocheon. The bombs injured 15 civilians, two of whom are in serious condition. The explosions also caused significant damage to homes, a church, and a warehouse, leading to the evacuation of around 50 residents.
Investigators revealed that one pilot mistakenly entered the wrong coordinates for the bombing site. Meanwhile, the second pilot, focused on formation, followed without verifying the target. As a result, General Lee Youngsu of the South Korean Air Force apologized, stating, “It should have never happened and must never happen again.”
North Korea’s Response
North Korea strongly condemned the Freedom Shield 25 exercises, calling them a “dangerous provocative act” that raises the risk of military conflict. On the same day the exercises began, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launches around 1:50 p.m. local time from Hwanghae province.
In response, South Korea immediately heightened its surveillance posture. Additionally, South Korea continues to coordinate closely with the US to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, South Korea’s military launched an investigation into an accidental bombing that occurred during the exercises. This investigation aims to identify the root causes and prevent future incidents. As a result, live-fire training will stay suspended until the investigation concludes.
The start of the Freedom Shield 25 exercises highlights the ongoing commitment of South Korea and the US to maintain readiness, especially amid rising regional tensions. However, the accidental bombing incident brings attention to the risks associated with such military drills. As both nations move forward with investigations, they aim to enhance defense strategies while safeguarding civilian populations.