Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Yong-soo bowed on the 10th, saying about the KF-16 fighter jet misfire accident in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the 6th, “It was an accident that should never have happened, and should not happen again.” Lee noted that he will not cling to his position and will focus on follow-up measures regarding the accident.
In a public apology announcement on that morning, Lee said, “The Air Force, which should protect the lives and property of the people, has endangered the safety of the people. I bow my head to apologize for disrupting the peaceful daily life of the citizens, injuring them, and causing property damage due to this unprecedented misfire.” He added, “I also extend my apologies and condolences to the residents of Nogok-ri and the soldiers, and I wish for the recovery of those who are hospitalized.”
Earlier, around 10:07 a.m. on the 6th, two Air Force KF-16 fighter jets participating in a U.S.-Korea joint live-fire drill mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 air-to-ground bombs not at the shooting range but elsewhere. The Air Force revealed that the pilots of the fighter jets had incorrectly entered the target coordinates and failed to follow through on a three-step confirmation procedure. It was also stated that the commanders did not properly carry out their command and supervision.
According to military authorities, 31 people, including two seriously injured, were injured in the misfire incident on the 6th. A total of 152 damage reports have been received.
After the public apology announcement, Lee met with reporters and said, “One person hospitalized suffered physical injuries, yet they said, 'Wasn’t it not the pilot’s fault? Don’t scold them for making a mistake.'” He continued, “I was deeply shocked, and as the chief of staff, I vowed to take full responsibility and correct procedures and practices to ensure such an incident does not happen again.”
When asked if he meant that all responsibility for the incident lies with him, Lee responded, “I do not think about clinging to my position. I will focus on follow-up measures regarding the accident, prevention of recurrence, and enabling mission performance and combat power creation.” He added, “If these things are lacking, I am willing to step down at any time. The important thing is to manage the situation, and I will accept any consequences in the future.”