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 regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan Airport on December 29 last year, stating, "As the president, who has the duty to protect the lives and safety of the people, I offer my deepest apologies."

On the 29th, President Lee made this statement through his YouTube channel. He emphasized, "Now is the time for real change and action, not just formal promises or empty words," and added, "The government will actively support strengthening the independence and expertise of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board and will do its utmost to identify the causes 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 aspects-thoroughly and continuously."

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

He further pledged, "We will build a country where those who are responsible are clearly held accountable, where even minor risks are neither neglected nor overlooked, and where everyone is safe."

He concluded, "Once again, I pray for the souls of the victims," and expressed his "deep condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families."