Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is officially considering suspending the investigation work of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), which is currently investigating the cause of the December 29 Jeju Air disaster.
On the second day of the Chuseok holiday, October 4, Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is offering flowers at the memorial altar for the victims of the December 29 Jeju Air disaster at Muan International Airport in Muan County, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News
Minister Kim made this statement on October 4, after visiting the memorial altar for the disaster victims set up in the first-floor waiting area of Muan International Airport in Muan County, Jeollanam-do, during the Chuseok holiday, and meeting with the bereaved families.
After hearing from the bereaved families that they could not trust the ARAIB investigation, Minister Kim said, "If the bereaved families, as a whole, request that the ARAIB suspend its investigation activities, I will review the relevant laws and regulations to see if it is possible."
He added, "If that is not feasible, I will also examine whether any administrative measures can be taken."
Regarding the criticism that the ARAIB is arbitrarily withholding information that should be made public under international regulations, Minister Kim responded, "I will meet with the ARAIB in person to hear their explanation and determine whether the information can be released based on international regulations (ICAO)."
He continued, "If the ARAIB's position is not reasonable, I will ensure that the information is made public. If their position is reasonable, I will return and explain the reasons to you myself."
Regarding the ongoing discussions about reorganizing the ARAIB and transferring it to the Prime Minister's Office, he stated, "If, after parliamentary discussions, the ARAIB is returned to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, I will resign as minister. Although the process may be delayed somewhat, the ARAIB must be transferred to the Prime Minister's Office and staffed with experts so that it can function as a proper accident investigation board."
After the meeting, the bereaved families, together with Minister Kim, visited the area near the hangar where the tail fin of the accident aircraft is being stored, and pointed out that evidence was being neglected.
In a statement released afterward, the December 29 Jeju Air Passenger Disaster Bereaved Families Association said, "The minister must immediately fulfill the promises he made in front of the bereaved families," and urged, "Provide specific and sincere answers to the families' demands, and as soon as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's responsibility is confirmed, offer a genuine apology and prepare measures to prevent a recurrence."
The statement continued, "Please remember our deep longing and anguish as we are unable to leave the site of the accident where we lost our loved ones during what should be the happiest holiday with family," and appealed, "Fulfill the state's most basic duty to protect the lives and safety of its people."
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