President Lee Jae Myung offered deep apologies on Monday for the first anniversary of the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people, vowing a credible investigation into the tragedy. The disaster occurred on December 29, 2024, at Muan International Airport when the flight from Bangkok suffered a bird strike and crashed during an emergency landing. The government pledged to bolster the independence of the probe and provide comprehensive support to bereaved families.
On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216 from Bangkok attempted an emergency belly landing at Muan International Airport but overshot the runway and collided with a concrete localizer structure, bursting into flames. Of the 181 people aboard—175 passengers and six crew members—only two crew survived, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history. A bird strike was identified as a key factor, with feathers found in the CFM International engines, though the full cause remains undetermined.
In a video message on December 29, 2025, President Lee Jae Myung stated, "I know no words can fully offer comfort," adding, "As the president entrusted with protecting the lives and safety of the people, I offer my deepest apology." He emphasized the need for "real change and action, not hollow promises," pledging to enhance the independence and professionalism of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Support for bereaved families will include psychological care, medical treatment, legal aid, and livelihood assistance. Lee noted, "The deadly crash clearly exposed structural problems and limitations in our society," underscoring efforts to prevent recurrence.
Last week, the National Assembly established a special parliamentary committee to probe the crash, examining factors like the bird strike, the concrete mound, and potential aircraft defects. An interim report in July 2025, which suggested the pilot shut down the wrong engine, was withdrawn amid strong objections from families. In April 2025, the government announced plans to replace embankments at seven airports with breakaway structures to absorb impacts, but work at five sites remains incomplete eight months later. A South Jeolla Provincial Police task force raided Jeju Air's Seoul office and questioned over 50 individuals, including executives and air traffic controllers, yet no indictments have followed. Families have long questioned the board's independence due to ties to the transport ministry; in response, legislation was revised, paving the way for a new investigation body under the Prime Minister's office early next year. Authorities now face pressure to appoint neutral experts and deliver trustworthy findings to rebuild public confidence.
