Children affected by the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster will now be eligible to receive support funds.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that the "Special Act on Relief and Support for the 12·29 Passenger Plane Disaster," which prioritizes the wishes of the bereaved families through the 12·29 Passenger Plane Disaster Special Committee and the bill subcommittee, passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 17th. This law includes provisions to provide living support funds necessary for daily life assistance and medical support funds for physical and mental treatment to help victims recover their daily lives.
Under the current Commercial Act, victims under the age of 15 were not eligible for support because local governments could not enter into citizen safety insurance contracts for them. The Commercial Act invalidates insurance contracts for insurance accidents involving death of minors under 15, along with persons with mental disabilities or impairments. The Special Act stipulates that special support funds equivalent to insurance payouts will be provided to such victims as well.
On the 100th day since the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, a bereaved family member is writing a handwritten letter in memory of the victims at Jeonnam Muan International Airport on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News
Psychological counseling will be provided to victims and those involved in the accident site recovery, and victims with mental illnesses will be able to receive medical examinations and treatment. Educational expenses will cover tuition for daycare centers, kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as university students.
Workers may apply for leave, which employers are required to approve. Employers will receive support for employment retention costs. The application period is one year, and the leave period is up to six months; however, with a medical opinion, the application period can be extended to three years and the leave period up to one year.
Children of victims will receive priority for childcare services. To protect the victims' honor, the state and local governments are required to devise and implement measures to prevent secondary harm. From a long-term perspective, the law mandates continuous monitoring and management of physical and mental health conditions to manage aftereffects.
In affected areas with many victims, special support plans reflecting local residents' opinions will be introduced to revitalize the economy. Programs for psychological stability and community recovery will be created, and community complex facilities capable of providing care and welfare will be established. The Special Act also includes provisions for building memorial parks, museums, and monuments for victim remembrance and aviation safety education.
Authorities involved in the recovery operation are conducting a search at the accident site of Muan International Airport in Jeonnam last January. Photo by Yonhap News
A public-private joint support and memorial committee, composed of relevant officials, experts, and bereaved families, will be formed to deliberate and decide on victim support and memorial projects. An advisory group will be established to help victims better understand the progress of the accident investigation. The law also includes provisions for the government or public institutions to provide operating expenses to bereaved family organizations.
The Special Act will be enforced two months after its promulgation. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to establish detailed support criteria and procedures in cooperation with related ministries. Minister Park Sang-woo of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated, "The government and the National Assembly have swiftly enacted this Special Act to help stabilize and restore the lives of victims suffering from the passenger plane disaster," adding, "We will make every effort with related agencies to ensure practical assistance through follow-up measures."
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