Democratic Party Proposes 'Self-Investigation Prevention Act' for Muan Passenger Plane Disaster

Accident Investigation Committee Moves from Ministry of Land to Prime Minister's Office
Park Sang-hyuk "Concerns from the Start... Must Eliminate Closedness"
National Assembly to Hold Emergency Inquiry on Disaster

The Democratic Party of Korea has begun preparing measures to ensure the independence of the investigation into the Jeju Air passenger flight 7C2216 disaster that occurred at Muan International Airport in Muan County, Jeollanam-do.

According to the National Assembly Legislative Information System, Democratic Party lawmakers Kim Won-i and Park Sang-hyuk each introduced a "Bill to Amend the Act on Investigation of Aviation and Railway Accidents" on the 8th. The main content is to change the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Committee (Sajowi), currently established under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, to be under the Prime Minister’s Office. Previously, the Sajowi formed on the 5th was criticized for a "self-investigation" controversy as current and former officials of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport were in charge of its composition and operation. In response, the government has taken related measures, including the resignation of Sajowi Chairman Jang Man-hee, who took office in May last year.

Amid the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that resulted in 179 deaths, local residents visited the joint memorial altar set up at Muan Sports Park near Muan International Airport in Jeonnam on the 30th of last month to pay their respects to the victims. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Lawmaker Kim, a re-elected member from Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do, is part of the party’s Aviation Disaster Countermeasures Committee’s Bereaved Families Support Group. Kim included in the bill a provision that requires one non-standing member of the Sajowi to be appointed by the victims or their bereaved families at the time of a disaster. He particularly emphasized the need to verify not only the airline’s responsibility but also the airport facilities and environment in uncovering the cause of the Muan passenger flight disaster. This measure targets the "concrete embankment," which is analyzed to have exacerbated the disaster’s damage.

Lawmaker Park introduced the bill based on his four years of experience on the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee during the 21st National Assembly. Park’s office stated the reason for proposing the bill was that "if violations of regulations or negligence in management by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport are revealed during the accident investigation process, there is a possibility that these issues could be downplayed or concealed." In a phone interview, he said, "There have long been concerns about 'self-investigation.' The aviation sector requires independent expertise and is a highly closed field. I proposed the law to ensure an objective investigation."

The National Assembly will hold an emergency plenary session this afternoon to conduct urgent questioning related to the passenger flight disaster. The Assembly also formed a "Special Committee for the Truth Investigation and Victim Relief of the December 29 Passenger Flight Disaster" the day before.