Moon Geumju Calls for Full Investigation of Jeju Air Crash and Protection of Victims' Rights

Lead Proposal of the "12.29 Passenger Plane Disaster Special Act"

Geumju Moon, Member of the National Assembly.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Moon Geumju (representing Goheung, Boseong, Jangheung, and Gangjin in South Jeolla Province) announced on the 5th that he had proposed the "Special Act on Guaranteeing the Rights of Victims, Fact-Finding, and Prevention of Recurrence of the 12.29 Passenger Plane Disaster" (hereinafter referred to as the 12.29 Passenger Plane Disaster Special Act), which aims to uncover the truth behind the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan Airport in South Jeolla on December 29 last year, establish measures to prevent recurrence, and guarantee the rights of the victims.

The bill stipulates the independent formation of a Special Investigation Committee, including two members recommended by the bereaved families' council, which will have the authority to investigate the incident ex officio. In addition, under the Prime Minister’s Office, a "12.29 Passenger Plane Disaster Victim Relief Review Committee" will be established to provide comprehensive support for the daily lives of victims, including medical assistance such as health and psychological treatment, as well as welfare, care, and employment support for the bereaved families and other victims.

The special act also includes provisions to prevent the spread of fake news related to the disaster and eradicate defamation against the victims and bereaved families, stipulating imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won for those who defame the honor of the victims, including the deceased and their families.

Moon stated, "Many people lost their families and their ordinary lives due to the 12.29 passenger plane disaster," adding, "I will work together with the bereaved families' council until the end, not only to uncover the truth and establish preventive measures through the passage of the special act in the National Assembly, but also to help the bereaved families regain their daily lives."