In a message released on Monday, Lee acknowledged the state’s responsibility to protect public safety and expressed remorse to the families of the victims of the December 29, 2024 crash. The Jeju Air aircraft, carrying 181 people, crash-landed at Muan International Airport in the country’s southwest before slamming into an embankment at the end of the runway. The jet burst into flames on impact, killing all but two passengers and crew members.
“As president who has the responsibility to protect the lives and safety of the people, I offer my deepest apologies,” Lee said, underscoring the government’s obligation to confront the failures exposed by the disaster.
The tragedy remains a source of deep anguish and frustration for victims’ relatives, many of whom have demanded greater transparency after investigators delayed the release of a full report into the cause of the accident. A preliminary report issued in January by the government-led Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board found that both engines of the aircraft sustained bird strikes. However, the findings failed to address broader concerns that have since intensified public scrutiny.
Investigators and aviation experts continue to examine potential safety lapses, including the design and layout of the runway at Muan International Airport, as well as the actions taken by the pilots in the final moments before the crash. These unresolved issues have fueled criticism of the investigation process and raised questions about whether systemic shortcomings contributed to the scale of the disaster.
“The disaster clearly revealed the systematic problems and limitations of our society,” Lee said, warning against superficial assurances. He emphasized that meaningful reform, rather than symbolic gestures, is required to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In response to mounting pressure, South Korea’s parliament is reviewing a proposal to restructure the aircraft accident investigation board, with the aim of strengthening its independence and technical expertise. Lawmakers argue that reforms are essential to restore public trust and ensure that future investigations are free from institutional constraints.
Later on Monday, relatives of the victims are scheduled to gather at Muan International Airport for a memorial service marking the first anniversary of the crash. The ceremony is expected to be both a moment of remembrance and a renewed call for accountability, as families continue to seek answers about how a routine flight ended in catastrophe.
As South Korea reflects on the anniversary, the Jeju Air disaster stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of aviation failures and the enduring need for transparency, rigorous oversight, and systemic reform to safeguard lives in the future.
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