South Korea’s military has implemented an immediate suspension of all small firearms training exercises following a disturbing incident in Daegu city, where a young elementary schoolgirl was struck by a suspected stray bullet while playing. The event occurred on Monday afternoon when the child was hit near the neck by an unidentified projectile, prompting emergency medical response and hospitalization. Authorities confirmed she has since been discharged from medical care.
The incident took place at a playground situated approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from an active military shooting range that was conducting live-fire exercises at the time of the accident. The proximity has raised serious questions about safety protocols and bullet trajectory capabilities. According to officials, the range—constructed in 1995—is designed with protective barriers intended to contain bullets, suggesting potential system failures or extraordinary circumstances.
This event echoes previous safety concerns regarding military exercises near civilian areas. In 2020, a golf caddy in South Jeolla province required emergency brain surgery after being struck by a stray bullet from a military range. More recently, in the previous year, the military suspended both live-fire drills and training flights when fighter jets accidentally dropped bombs on a village in Pocheon city, resulting in injuries to nearly 30 civilians.
The current investigation aims to determine definitively whether the projectile that injured the child originated from the military exercise and to identify any potential lapses in safety measures. The suspension affects all drills involving rifles, handguns, and other small firearms across the country until further notice, highlighting the military’s cautious approach to civilian safety amidst training operations.