Special Investigation Team Probing Passenger Plane Disaster Conducts Search and Seizure at Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Compulsory Investigation Initiated Just One Day After President Lee's Disciplinary Order

The police have launched a compulsory investigation into the passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do in 2024.

The Special Investigation Team for the December 29 Passenger Plane Disaster announced on the morning of March 13 that it was conducting a search and seizure of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport starting at 8:40 a.m. This search and seizure took place just one day after President Lee Jaemyung ordered disciplinary action. After receiving an additional report on the investigation into the disaster debris the previous day, President Lee instructed, "Conduct a thorough investigation into why the remains were not recovered in the early stages of the accident and why they were left unattended for over a year," and added, "Strictly discipline the responsible parties."

Firefighters are searching for belongings at the scene of the Jeju Air passenger plane collision and explosion accident at Muan International Airport in Jeonnam. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang

The Scientific Investigation Unit of the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency and the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport began examining the disaster debris on February 12. As a result, they newly discovered nine remains belonging to seven victims and 648 personal belongings.

Meanwhile, in December 2024, a Jeju Air passenger plane departing from Bangkok attempted an emergency landing on the runway at Muan International Airport and collided with a concrete mound supporting the localizer antenna, resulting in an explosion. Of the 181 passengers on board (six crew members and 175 passengers), 179 lost their lives. This incident resulted in the highest number of casualties from a domestic aircraft accident.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.