[Aircraft Disaster] 49th Day Joint Memorial Service Held at Muan Airport

On the morning of the 15th, the 49th day since the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, bereaved families shed tears at the joint memorial service held at the altar in Jeonnam Muan International Airport. Photo by Yonhap News

The 49th day joint memorial ceremony was held at Muan Airport on the 15th to honor the souls of the victims of the 'December 29 Jeju Air Passenger Plane Disaster' and to heal the wounds of the bereaved families.

About 700 people attended the event, including the Association of Bereaved Families of the disaster, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sangwoo, Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, and Kwon Youngjin, Chairman of the National Assembly's Special Committee on the Jeju Air Passenger Plane Disaster.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence to mourn the victims, followed by floral tributes and incense offerings, memorial addresses, and the 49th day joint memorial service.

On the morning of the 15th, the 49th day since the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, a bereaved family member is shedding tears at the joint memorial service held at the altar in Jeonnam Muan International Airport. Photo by Yonhap News

Park Hanshin, representative of the bereaved families, said in his memorial address, "This disaster is a deep wound that our society must remember and an event that must never be repeated," adding, "Innocent lives were lost, and those left behind must live with sorrow and pain for the rest of their lives."

Park continued, "We must uncover the truth about why and how our loved ones had to leave us," and emphasized, "We must strongly demand responsible and proper measures to create a safe environment where all citizens can fly safely."

Governor Kim stated, "Jeonnam Province will always stand with the bereaved families on the path to healing and recovery, and will take responsibility for compensation through special legislation, medical support, support for children's education and living expenses, and a thorough investigation into the truth."

Mayor Kang stressed, "It is the duty of those who remain to uncover the cause of the accident and to build a society where everyone can feel safe."

Christian, Buddhist, and Catholic representatives each prayed for the repose of the deceased according to their respective religious rites. The 49th day joint memorial ceremony concluded with a Ssitgimgut, a traditional Korean shamanic ritual to soothe the souls of the dead and pray for their peaceful passage to paradise.