Jokukdang to Yoon on 'Tragedy Condolences': "Shut Up and Properly Undergo Investigation"

Innovation Party Forms Disaster Response Committee
"Prioritizing Accident Management and Memorials"
"Yoon's Pledge to Stand with the People Provokes Laughter"

President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed condolences over the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, while the National Innovation Party sharply criticized him, saying, "Properly undergo the investigation."

Kim Seon-min, acting leader of the National Innovation Party, announced on the 30th at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Innovation Party Jeonnam Provincial Office in Muan, Jeonnam, that they would actively support the bereaved families by forming the "Jeju Air Passenger Plane Disaster Response Committee." Kim said, "We will designate this week as a mourning period and prioritize accident response and mourning," adding, "Acting President Choi Sang-mok is putting effort into managing the disaster. The Innovation Party will fully support his hard work." The response committee will be chaired by floor leader Hwang Un-ha.

Kim Seon-min, Acting Party Leader of the Party for National Innovation (center), is speaking at a press briefing held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 29th regarding the aircraft runway excursion accident at Muan Airport in Jeonnam, urging, "I hope all available resources are mobilized to do their best in the rescue." Photo by Yonhap News.

Additionally, Kim noted, "Consumer sentiment and the economy, already frozen, are expected to worsen," and assessed, "Small business owners, self-employed individuals, and restaurants are facing a critical crisis." He urged, "At least support measures equivalent to those during the COVID-19 crisis must be implemented. The government should mobilize all available resources."

Furthermore, Kim referred to President Yoon Suk-yeol posting a condolence message regarding the Jeju Air disaster. He criticized, "The day President Yoon posted the message was the very day he refused the third summons from the Corruption Investigation Office. He should shut up and properly undergo the investigation," adding, "During the Itaewon disaster, Yoon and the presidential office even prohibited the use of black ribbons with the word 'Condolence.' I cannot help but laugh at their claim to stand with the people."

Earlier, on the 29th, President Yoon posted on his social media, "A tragic accident occurred today at Muan Airport," and "I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to those who lost precious lives and their bereaved families." He added, "I believe the government will do its best to manage the accident and support the victims. I will also stand with the people to overcome this difficult situation as soon as possible."

Previously, Jeju Air flight 7C2216 attempted a belly landing on the runway at Muan Airport around 9:03 a.m. on the 29th, with the landing gear (devices necessary for takeoff and landing such as airplane wheels) not deployed. The aircraft collided with the outer wall during the attempt. The plane was subsequently broken in half and caught fire, with most of the fuselage engulfed in flames. There were 181 people on board, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members. According to the Fire Agency's tally, 179 people died and 2 were rescued. As a result, the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster became the deadliest aviation accident in South Korea's history.