'First Anniversary of 12.29 Disaster' Lee Offers "Deep Apology"... Jeong Cheongrae, Jang Donghyuk Call for "Truth Unveiling"

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 as the president responsible for protecting the lives and safety of the people regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan Airport one year ago, stating, "As the president entrusted with the duty to safeguard the lives and safety of the people, I offer my deepest apologies." Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties also mourned the victims of the disaster and pledged to uncover the truth.

On the morning of the 29th, President Lee delivered this apology through a video tribute at the memorial ceremony marking the first anniversary of the December 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 is needed is not formal promises or empty words, but real change and action," adding, "The government will actively support the strengthening of 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." He also promised the bereaved families, "We will make the recovery of your daily lives our top priority and will provide comprehensive support across psychological, medical, legal, and livelihood areas thoroughly and continuously."

President Lee further stated, "The December 29 passenger plane disaster 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; leaders from the Democratic Party of Korea, the People Power Party, the National Innovation Party, and the Reform New Party.

Jung Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, held a Supreme Council meeting at the Seungdal Culture and Arts Center in Muan County, Jeollanam-do, on the morning of the same day, stating, "The truth has not yet been fully uncovered to the satisfaction of the bereaved families," and pledged, "We will do our utmost to uncover the truth as the bereaved families wish through a parliamentary investigation and to resolve their grievances."

Song Unseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, also stated via social media, "I will take the lead in ensuring a thorough investigation that satisfies the bereaved families and the public, the punishment of those responsible, and the establishment of measures to prevent recurrence." Addressing the government, he urged, "Rather than focusing on issues such as the illegal export of foreign currency, which customs authorities should handle, I hope the government will prioritize comprehensive safety inspections at airports nationwide to prevent issues like bird strikes near migratory bird habitats and the absurd localizer mound incident at Muan Airport."

The National Assembly established a special parliamentary investigation committee to uncover the truth behind the passenger plane disaster starting on the 22nd. The committee plans to conduct on-site investigations and hold a meeting with bereaved families on January 20 next year, followed by a public hearing for fact-finding on January 22.