Muan Tragedy Bereaved Families: "Must Quickly Prevent Body Decomposition... Need a Memorial Altar on Airport 1st Floor"

Higher Than Expected Temperatures Raise Concerns for Wildlife Near Airport
Urgent Request for Freezing Equipment Support
Memorial Moved to Airport 1st Floor... "Must Be at the Accident Site"

Families of the victims aboard the Jeju Air passenger plane that crashed at Muan International Airport have requested the prompt provision of freezers to prevent the bodies from decomposing due to unexpectedly high temperatures. They also demanded that a memorial altar be set up on the first floor of Muan Airport, rather than at Muan Sports Park, which is somewhat distant from the site.

Park Han-shin, the representative of the Jeju Air Disaster Victims' Families Association, held a press conference on the afternoon of the 30th at 2:30 PM on the second floor of Muan International Airport and made these requests. Park said, "Since the victims' bodies are severely damaged and it is taking a lot of time to recover them, we ask that more personnel be deployed to quickly bring our brothers, parents, and family members home in as intact a condition as possible," adding, "I want to see how my brothers and family members are lying in there."

He also emphasized the need to properly preserve the damaged bodies. Park said, "There are likely many wild animals near the airport at night, so please monitor and strengthen patrols in that area," and added, "Although it is winter, temperatures are rising significantly, so please arrange for a refrigerated container to arrive quickly to prevent the bodies from decomposing rapidly." In fact, the temperature in Muan rose to 11 degrees Celsius during the day.

He also requested a change in the location of the memorial altar. Currently, a joint memorial altar is set up at Muan General Sports Park, about 9 km away from Muan Airport. They want a place for mourning to be arranged directly at Muan Airport, where the accident occurred. Park explained, "We have requested the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, the Governor of Jeollanam-do, as well as political party officials, to set up the memorial altar here," adding, "We believe it is more appropriate to have it at the site of the accident rather than somewhere far away."

Additionally, he stated that discussions are ongoing with Jeju Air regarding funeral expenses support. Park said, "The costs incurred from the moment the bodies are recovered and taken outside will be fully covered by the Aekyung Group and Jeju Air," and added, "Although not yet, we will discuss the cause of the accident and compensation procedures in the future."