"Taking Even Underwear from Cup Noodles for Bereaved Families"... Selfish Group Appears at Muan Airport

After Paying Tribute at the Memorial Altar, Looted Relief Supplies
Controversy Arises Over Unauthorized Photography

Regarding the Muan International Airport Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, Yonhap News reported that a group of 'selfish individuals' secretly taking free relief supplies prepared for the bereaved families staying at the airport has emerged.

According to Yonhap News, as of the 11th day of the disaster on the 8th, booths distributing various items such as food and hygiene products for free are operating in the waiting areas on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Muan Airport terminal. The items provided at these booths were supported through donations from some civic groups and are intended for the bereaved families and support personnel staying at the airport.

Support supplies for bereaved families and related personnel piled up at the travel agency counter of Muan International Airport, Jeonnam. Photo by Yonhap News

The organizations operating the booths are providing various items unconditionally to minimize the inconvenience of the bereaved families and support personnel. However, concerns are growing as there have been signs of abuse of this unconditional distribution.

For example, visitors who came from the Seoul metropolitan area to Muan Airport were seen sweeping up various daily necessities such as cup noodles, beverages, wet wipes, toilet paper, toiletries, health masks, socks, underwear, and towels after paying respects at the joint memorial altar.

In response, a volunteer told Yonhap News, "We have not yet accurately grasped the situation," but admitted, "This was the biggest concern while operating the relief supply booth."

He added, "Organizations stationed there will gather to discuss countermeasures to prevent relief supplies from falling into the hands of the wrong people."

Photo prohibition sign at the joint memorial altar. Photo by Yonhap News

The controversy over nuisance caused to the bereaved families and support personnel does not end there. Previously, a social media influencer posted a video showing the act of purchasing and sending donated goods but received a deletion request from the bereaved families. Additionally, a YouTuber stirred controversy by wandering around the airport and filming the bereaved families without permission.

As these incidents continued, a sign prohibiting photography and posting on social media was recently posted at the joint memorial altar set up on the 1st floor of the airport.