An 80-year-old man was hospitalized on the island of Jangbong-do, Incheon, after being struck in the leg by shotgun pellets fired by a hunter on October 23, 2026. The 60-year-old shooter, who held a valid hunting permit, stated he did not see the victim while attempting to cull deer destroying crops.
The Shooting Incident on Jangbong-do
The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. on October 23, 2026, when local authorities received a request for joint emergency assistance following a firearm-related injury in Ongjin-gun. According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters and the Yeongjong Police Station, an 80-year-old resident, identified in reports as A, was working in a red pepper field when he was hit by shotgun pellets.
The victim was transported by 119 emergency services to a hospital for treatment. Officials have confirmed that his injuries are not life-threatening, and he remains in stable condition.
Investigation into the Hunter’s Actions
Police have identified the shooter as a 60-year-old man, referred to as B, who was in the area to hunt deer following complaints from local residents regarding crop damage. While the hunter possessed a legitimate firearm license, the incident has prompted a formal investigation into charges of professional negligence resulting in injury.
During questioning, the hunter explained that the victim’s position made him difficult to spot. A was sitting down, so I did not see him,
the hunter stated, according to accounts reported by KBS and other outlets. Police have indicated that there is currently no evidence of malicious intent.
It does not appear that the shot was fired intentionally toward a person.
Police official, Yeongjong Police Station, via Newsis
Police Investigate Accidental Shooting During Deer Cull
The Yeongjong Police Station is continuing to investigate the specific circumstances of the discharge. Authorities have confirmed that the hunter was acting in response to a request to mitigate agricultural damage caused by the local deer population, but the proximity of the field work led to the accidental injury. Some reports noted that the hunter had been targeting animals in a nearby cabbage patch when the incident occurred.
While this case remains under active investigation, similar incidents involving hunters misidentifying targets or failing to account for bystanders have occurred elsewhere in the country. For example, in September of the previous year, a 60-year-old hunter in Jangheung, South Jeolla Province, was killed by a colleague’s fire while involved in pest control. In July 2024, a 50-year-old woman working in a field died after being hit by a shot fired by a 60-year-old hunter. These recurring events have led the public and officials to say that developing stricter safety measures for wildlife culling operations is an urgent necessity.