Speaker Woo: "The December 29 Disaster Is a Societal Tragedy... Objective Measures Must Be Taken"

"Not a Matter of Chance... Must Remain a Societal Memory"

On the morning of the 29th, Woo Won-sik, Speaker of the National Assembly, delivered a memorial speech at the first anniversary memorial ceremony of the December 29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster held at Muan International Airport, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News

On December 29, marking the first anniversary of the December 29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik described the tragedy as a "societal disaster" and called for a thorough investigation to prevent recurrence.

On this day, more than 1,200 people-including bereaved families, citizens, and officials from the government and the National Assembly-attended the "First Anniversary Memorial Ceremony of the December 29 Passenger Plane Disaster" held solemnly at Muan International Airport, Jeollanam-do.

Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-duk, Democratic Party of Korea leader Jeong Cheongrae, People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk, and Basic Income Party leader Yong Hyein attended the ceremony, representing both the ruling and opposition parties, and delivered memorial speeches on behalf of the participants.

In his memorial address, Speaker Woo emphasized that this disaster was not a result of coincidence but rather a tragedy created by society, underscoring that it was a "societal disaster."

He stated, "A bill to transfer the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister is awaiting a vote in the National Assembly. Since last week, the National Assembly has also begun a parliamentary investigation," adding, "We urge the government and relevant agencies to ensure that all materials necessary for the investigation are submitted without omission."

He further noted, "In the case of societal disasters, objective measures that victims can accept must be implemented. The victims' right to know must not be obstructed, nor should defamation be overlooked. I will work to ensure that the rights of victims are protected both institutionally and culturally."