South Korean President Lee Jae Myung apologized to families of the 179 people killed in the Jeju Air crash on Monday. He vowed to reveal the full truth behind the country’s deadliest aircraft accident. Families held a tearful memorial at Muan International Airport, expressing frustration over delays in the investigation.
The plane crash-landed on December 29, 2024, at the end of the runway, killing all but two of 181 onboard. A preliminary report cited bird strikes on both engines, but questions remain about runway design, pilot actions, and safety lapses. Relatives have criticized investigators for focusing on cleanup rather than finding the root causes.
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Kim Yu-jin, representing the families, said they will not rest until those responsible are held accountable. The families demand answers to ensure the 179 lives lost were not in vain. Parliament and government officials attended the memorial service, reaffirming their commitment to uncover the facts.
President Lee said the crash revealed systemic problems in South Korea’s aviation and public safety systems. He emphasized that real change, not empty promises, is needed to prevent similar tragedies. Parliament is reviewing plans to overhaul the aircraft accident investigation board to ensure independence and expertise.
Read more: South Korean president apologises over Jeju Air crash
Experts noted that flight recorders stopped in the final seconds, complicating the investigation. They caution against assigning blame to a single cause, stressing that most air accidents result from multiple factors. Authorities continue probing the crash to provide families with answers.