[Plane Crash] "Tears That Won't Stop Even After 100 Days"

Bereaved Families Return to Muan Airport to Honor 179 Victims
"Those Responsible Must Be Held Accountable"

Yonhap News

As the 100th day since the December 29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster approaches, the bereaved families gathered once again at Muan International Airport. Holding chrysanthemums, they called out the names of their departed loved ones and continued their silent remembrance.

About 100 family members of the victims, including spouses, children, grandchildren, and parents, attended the memorial ceremony. Ko Kwangwan, Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs, and Shin Sujeong, Chairperson of the Gwangju City Council, visited the site on behalf of Kim Yeongrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, and Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju.

The memorial ceremony began with a moment of silence and soon turned into a sea of tears with the remarks of Park Hanshin, representative of the December 29 Jeju Air Bereaved Families Association. Park pledged, "We will uncover the truth and ensure those responsible are held accountable," adding, "We will do our part so that such a tragedy never happens again."

Governor Kim stated, "Jeonnam Province will always stand with the bereaved families on their path to healing and recovery," and added, "We will establish a memorial park and screen a remembrance video to ensure the memories of that day are never forgotten." He further emphasized, "We will do our utmost at the provincial level to ensure the enactment of a special law related to the disaster."

1229 pink ribbons expressing condolences are hung on the metal fence near the site of the Muan Jeju Air disaster. Photo by Song Bohyun

In addition to today's event, the bereaved families plan to gather again at the same location on the 100th day of the disaster, which falls on the 7th, to write memorial letters and create a flower bed on the altar, among other commemorative activities.