First Anniversary of Passenger Plane Disaster: Gwangju to Sound Memorial Siren at 9:03 a.m. on the 29th

Siren to Sound Across Gwangju for One Minute at Time of Disaster
Not an Emergency Alert, But a Signal for Remembrance
Citizens Urged to Join in Moment of Silence

To mark the first anniversary of the passenger plane disaster, a memorial siren will sound for one minute across Gwangju at 9:03 a.m. on December 29. The siren will be sounded at the exact time the accident occurred, providing a moment for collective remembrance and to honor the victims.

There are 1,229 pink ribbons expressing condolences hung on the metal fence near the site of the Muan Jeju Air disaster. Photo by Song Bohyun

On December 24, the Gwangju city government announced, "A memorial siren will be sounded for one minute across Gwangju and Jeollanam-do at 9:03 a.m. on the 29th." The purpose of this siren is to honor the victims of the disaster and to remind society of its responsibility to prevent a recurrence.

The city emphasized that the siren is not an emergency alert but a signal for remembrance, asking citizens to pause their daily activities and join in a moment of silence.

Kim Youngsun, Director of the Integrated Airport and Transportation Bureau, stated, "The sounding of the siren is meant to share the spirit of remembrance for the victims," and added, "We hope everyone will join the moment of silence with reverence."

Meanwhile, the official memorial ceremony for the first anniversary of the passenger plane disaster will be held at 10 a.m. on December 29 at Muan International Airport. More than 1,200 people, including government and National Assembly officials, those involved in the accident response, bereaved families, and citizens, are expected to attend. The ceremony will proceed with a floral tribute, a memorial video screening, memorial speeches, and a commemorative performance.

Prior to this, at 2 p.m. on December 27, the "Gwangju-Jeonnam Citizens' Memorial Rally," where bereaved families and citizens will gather, will be held at the May 18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju. This event will provide an opportunity to honor the victims and reflect on the significance of the disaster.