First Anniversary of the 12.29 Disaster... President Lee Bows His Head: "Deep Apology, Full Efforts to Determine the Cause"

First Anniversary of the Jeju Air Passenger Plane Disaster at Muan Airport
President Lee: "Top Priority on Recovery of Daily Lives for Bereaved Families"

President Lee Jaemyung issued an apology for the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan Airport on December 29, 2024, stating, "As the president, whose duty is to protect the lives and safety of the people, I offer my deepest apologies."

On December 29, President Lee made this statement through his YouTube channel. He said, "Now is the time for real change and action, not just formal promises or empty words," and emphasized, "The government will actively support strengthening the independence and expertise of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board and will do its utmost to determine the cause of the passenger plane disaster."

To the bereaved families, he promised, "We will make the recovery of your daily lives our top priority and will provide comprehensive support-covering psychological, medical, legal, and livelihood needs-thoroughly and continuously."

President Lee also stated, "The 12·29 passenger plane disaster has starkly revealed the structural problems and limitations of our society," adding, "Ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated is, I believe, the very least we can do to honor the victims."

He further pledged, "I will make sure that those who must be held accountable are clearly held responsible, that even small risks are neither neglected nor overlooked, and that we will build a country where everyone is safe."

He concluded, "Once again, I pray for the souls of the victims," and added, "I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families."