Muan, South Korea — In a solemn message on the first anniversary of the Jeju Air Flight 2216 tragedy, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung vowed to uncover the full truth behind the crash that claimed 179 lives. Speaking to the nation and addressing the bereaved families, President Lee expressed deep regret over the disaster and pledged that the government will leave no stone unturned in revealing the circumstances that led to one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the country’s history.
The president’s remarks came amid rising frustration among victims’ families, who have repeatedly criticised the slow pace of the official investigation and the lack of comprehensive answers about the catastrophic crash that occurred on December 29, 2024. During the anniversary, relatives gathered at Muan International Airport for a memorial ceremony, sharing their grief and reiterating their demand for transparency and accountability from authorities.
The Boeing 737‑800, arriving from Bangkok, overshot the runway at Muan Airport, collided with a concrete embankment, and erupted into flames, leaving only two survivors out of 181 passengers and crew. While a preliminary report by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board cited potential bird strikes to both engines as a contributing factor, families and aviation experts have criticised the investigation for failing to address crucial questions, including runway safety, emergency response procedures, and the exact chain of events in the final moments of the flight.
President Lee emphasised that the government’s responsibility goes beyond mere words, promising a credible, independent investigation and comprehensive reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. He assured that all necessary support would be provided to victims’ families, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance, while stressing that accountability and truth remain central to the government’s response.
Lawmakers have since initiated discussions to strengthen the independence and technical expertise of the accident investigation board, aiming to ensure future investigations are thorough and transparent. President Lee’s renewed commitment signals a focused effort to regain public trust, address long-standing concerns, and provide closure to families who have spent the past year seeking answers.
The tragedy and its aftermath continue to dominate national discourse, highlighting the critical need for aviation safety reforms and raising awareness about the importance of prompt and transparent investigations in safeguarding lives and restoring public confidence in civil aviation.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.