Choi Acting Authority "Joint Investigation with the US on Accident Cause Underway... Fairness and Objectivity Are Important"

"Ministry of Labor Urges Workplaces to Recommend 'Separate Leave for Bereaved Families'"

Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, emphasized regarding the Muan Airport Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that "what is most important in the accident investigation is to secure fairness and objectivity in addition to the expertise of the investigation."

Yonhap News

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Acting Prime Minister Choi stated, "Currently, our investigators, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the aircraft manufacturer are jointly conducting the investigation into the cause of the accident." He added, "The cause of the accident will be revealed through comprehensive analysis and review of detailed investigations of the aircraft and airframe, as well as the black box results," and said, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is once again urged to strictly proceed with the investigation procedures in accordance with the relevant laws and international standards."

He continued, "Since the investigation into the cause of the accident is still in its early stages, various expert opinions are being reported through broadcasts and the internet," and requested, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and others should strengthen communication efforts with the bereaved families and the media to ensure that related information and facts are accurately and transparently conveyed to the bereaved families and the public during the investigation process."

He repeatedly expressed condolences to the victims' families. Acting Prime Minister Choi explained, "The most urgent matter at present is to deliver the victims to their families," and said, "The identification of all 179 victims was completed overnight, and they have been handed over to the families and placed in funeral halls, thus beginning the funeral procedures." He added, "The police and related agencies should proceed with the procedures while respecting the opinions of the bereaved families as much as possible and communicate sufficiently throughout the process to ensure that the families feel no lack."

In particular, he requested the preparation of support measures such as recommending workplaces to grant separate leave through the Ministry of Employment and Labor for bereaved families who visited the site using personal leave.