On the 6th, Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young-soo bowed his head on the 10th regarding the friendly fire incident involving KF-16 fighter jets that occurred in the vicinity of the Seungjin Scientific Training Center in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, stating, "It was an accident that must never happen and should never happen again."
During a public apology presentation held at the Ministry of National Defense briefing room that day, the chief remarked, "The Air Force, which should protect the lives and property of the citizens, has harmed the safety of the citizens," adding, "I sincerely apologize for disrupting the peaceful daily lives of the citizens, injuring them, and causing property damage due to this unprecedented friendly fire incident. I also extend my deepest apologies and condolences to the residents of Nogok-ri and the servicemen who suffered unexpected injuries, and I wish for a speedy recovery for those still in the hospital."
The chief stated, "I bear full responsibility for this incident as the Chief of Staff," and added, "I will reflect deeply on the shortcomings and, with a determination to correct the wrong practices, ensure that such an incident does not happen again." He further promised, "I will do my utmost in all aspects, including swift damage recovery and medical, psychological support, and compensation, so that the residents can quickly return to their daily lives."
On the 6th, two Air Force KF-16 fighter jets accidentally dropped eight MK-82 bombs on civilians instead of the shooting range, injuring dozens. Previously, the chief had expressed his responsibility in a message to the press on the day of the friendly fire incident, stating, "I feel a great sense of responsibility as the Chief of Staff for causing anxiety to the public due to an abnormal drop incident during the live fire exercise of Air Force fighter jets," and he apologized.