Due to Friendly Fire by Fighter Jets in Pocheon... Ruling Party Pushes for 'Special Act on Compensation for Civilian Damage During Military Training'

"Prompt Investigation and Support for Damages Needed"

The People Power Party decided to enact a special law to compensate civilian damages caused during military training as a follow-up measure to the fighter jet accidental bombing incident that occurred in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province on the 6th.

Kim Sang-hoon, the Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stated at the party floor countermeasure meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 7th, "When civilian damage occurs, prompt investigation, treatment for residents in the affected areas, and emergency support are urgently needed."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 7th. 2025.3.7 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

This special law for compensating civilian damages was proposed and led by Assemblyman Kim Yong-tae, whose electoral districts include Pocheon and Gapyeong. Currently, laws related to compensation for damages caused during military training include the Special Act on Support for Landmine Victims and the Act on Compensation for Noise Damage from Military Shooting Ranges.

Chairman Kim emphasized, "In this incident as well, Pocheon City is in a situation where it must provide preliminary funds on the premise of reimbursement from the central government and then request the central government. We need to review various cases where civilian damage may occur to enable prompt investigation and emergency support."

Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, also said, "I hope the government will do its best to ascertain the facts of the accident, restore damages, and provide compensation," adding, "I wish a speedy recovery to the injured and offer my deepest condolences to the residents of Nogok-ri, Pocheon, who suffered damages."

He continued, "Since an unprecedented fighter jet accidental bombing incident has occurred, the chaos in the military command system can no longer be neglected," urging, "(The government) should promptly appoint the Minister of National Defense."