Kim Wonyi: "Strengthening Independence in Aircraft Accident Investigations and Communication with Bereaved Families"

Representative Proposal of the 'Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Act Amendment'
"Preventing Conflict of Interest in Investigation Committee and Ensuring Thorough Fact-Finding"

Won Kim, Member of the National Assembly.

Amid ongoing controversy over the neutrality of the Aircraft and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), which is investigating the cause of the aircraft disaster that occurred last December, a bill has been proposed to strengthen the independence of the ARAIB and allow participation of a representative chosen by the disaster victims' families.

On the 8th, Kim Won-i, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Mokpo), announced that he had proposed a bill to amend the Aircraft and Railway Accident Investigation Act with these key points.

Experts point out that, regarding the disaster, not only the responsibility of the airline but also an objective and thorough investigation into airport facilities and the environment is necessary, including the concrete design of embankments within the airport and bird strike prevention activities. In other words, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Busan Regional Office of Aviation, and the Korea Airports Corporation, all of which are responsible for Muan Airport, inevitably become subjects of investigation.

However, under the current law, the ARAIB, which is responsible for accident investigations, is affiliated with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Former and incumbent officials of the ministry and its affiliated agencies participate in the investigation board. The bereaved families have criticized this, claiming that the ministry responsible for the disaster is conducting a "self-investigation" and that there are no institutional mechanisms to reflect the opinions of the victims.

The proposed amendment would change the affiliation of the Aircraft and Railway Accident Investigation Board from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to the Office of the Prime Minister. The chairperson would be appointed by the president from among the members who are not government officials, and standing committee members would be appointed as political officials, thereby strengthening the independence and objectivity of the board.

In addition, the number of ARAIB members would be increased from the current maximum of 12 to 13, and one of the non-standing members would be appointed by the Prime Minister from among those selected by the bereaved families and victims' representatives, ensuring that the opinions of the victims and their families are actively reflected in the board.

Kim, who heads the Democratic Party's support group for the families of aviation disaster victims, emphasized, "Regarding this disaster, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport cannot be free from responsibility for managing the concrete embankment. We will do our best to uncover the truth by strengthening the independence of the ARAIB to prevent conflicts of interest and by enhancing communication with the bereaved families."