Kim Dong-yeon, Who Waited Over an Hour in Line at Muan Airport to Pay Respects, Says "I Rushed Here to Offer My Condolences"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon visited Muan International Airport, where the 'Jeju Air Passenger Plane Disaster Victims Joint Memorial Altar' was set up, on the first day of the new year, January 1st. It is reported that he waited in line for over an hour before paying his respects.

Governor Kim arrived at the airport around 4:25 PM that day, and immediately after getting out of his car, he did not enter the airport but went to the very end of the condolence line that extended outside the airport.

Gyeonggi Province spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated, "Although there was a joint memorial altar near Muan Airport at a sports center where people could pay respects relatively quickly, Governor Kim chose Muan Airport."

That day, Governor Kim told mourners who recognized him, "Putting everything aside, I came here to sincerely express my condolences and to stand in line with the citizens," trailing off with, "Because that is how we feel..."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is standing in line to pay respects at the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, set up at Muan International Airport on the 1st. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

After paying his respects, Governor Kim met with the victims' families and representatives to offer consolation. The families requested, "Please govern well so that such an incident never happens again."

In particular, family representative Park Han-shin cited current issues including ▲allowing the victims to return home with their families (funeral) ▲truth investigation ▲legal response.

Governor Kim emphasized that for disaster recovery, the rapid operation of a ‘control tower’ is necessary, and to prevent such accidents from happening again, a ‘white paper’ and ‘manualization’ are needed.

In closing, Governor Kim said, "On the first day of the new year, I also wanted to offer my condolences from the heart and came running. I will do my best in any way I can," promising, "I will lend my support beyond Gyeonggi Province."