First Anniversary of the Jeju Air Passenger Plane Disaster at Muan Airport
President Lee: "Uncovering the Cause and Supporting Bereaved Families Are Our Top Priorities"
Ruling and Opposition Leaders Visit Muan to Mourn the Victims
President Lee Jaemyung expressed his deepest apologies regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan International Airport one year ago, stating, "As the president entrusted with the duty to protect the lives and safety of the people, I offer my sincere apology." The leadership of both the ruling and opposition parties also mourned the victims of the disaster and pledged to uncover the truth.
On the morning of December 29, at around 10 a.m., President Lee delivered his apology through a video tribute at the memorial ceremony marking the first anniversary of the 12·29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, held at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do. The ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Bereaved Families Association.
Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, Kim Byungki, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Song Unseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, are saluting the national flag at the memorial ceremony for the first anniversary of the December 29 passenger plane disaster held at the passenger terminal of Muan International Airport in Muan County, Jeollanam-do on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee emphasized, "Now, what we need is not formal promises or empty words, but real change and action," adding, "The government will actively support strengthening the independence and expertise of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board and will do its utmost to uncover the causes of the passenger plane disaster." He also promised the bereaved families, "We will prioritize helping you return to your daily lives, and will provide comprehensive support across psychological, medical, legal, and livelihood areas, thoroughly and continuously."
President Lee further stated, "The 12·29 passenger plane disaster has starkly revealed the structural problems and limitations of our society," and added, "Ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again is the very least we can do to honor the victims."
The memorial ceremony was attended by Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, Kim Minseok, Prime Minister, as well as leaders from the Democratic Party of Korea, the People Power Party, the National Innovation Party, and the Reform Party.
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, held a Supreme Council meeting at Seungdal Culture and Arts Center in Muan County, Jeollanam-do, earlier that morning, stating, "The truth has not yet been fully uncovered to the satisfaction of the bereaved families," and pledged, "Through a parliamentary investigation, we will uncover the truth as the families wish and do our utmost to resolve their grievances."
Song Unseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, also stated via social media, "I will take the lead to ensure a thorough investigation that satisfies the bereaved families and the public, punishment of those responsible, and the establishment of measures to prevent recurrence." Addressing the government, he urged, "Rather than focusing on issues like illegal foreign currency outflow that customs authorities should handle, I hope you will thoroughly inspect airport safety nationwide to prevent incidents such as bird strikes near migratory bird habitats and the absurd localizer mound at Muan Airport."
The National Assembly formed a special parliamentary committee to investigate the passenger plane disaster on December 22 and has begun its activities. The committee plans to conduct an on-site investigation and hold a meeting with the bereaved families on January 20 next year, and to hold a hearing to uncover the truth on January 22.
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