President Lee Strongly Criticizes "Negligent and Inadequate Site Recovery Measures" During Visit to Muan Disaster Site

"Recovery of Remains Delayed Far Too Much... Conduct a Thorough Renewed Search," President Lee Urges
Repeatedly Questions Whether Initial Search Was Inadequate
Orders Review of Verification by International Experts

On the 18th, President Lee Jae-myung visited the remains recovery site of the December 29 Muan Airport Jeju Air passenger plane disaster and, noting that the recovery process had been significantly delayed, instructed that recovery efforts proceed swiftly, provided that safety is ensured. After personally confirming the progress of the renewed search, the reasons for suspending work, and the issues with the initial on-site recovery, President Lee ordered, "Conduct the renewed search thoroughly and also check whether there are any problems with the existing manual."

President Lee Jae-myung is paying respects with a floral tribute at the Jeju Air disaster victims' memorial altar set up at Jeonnam Muan Airport passenger terminal on the 18th. Photo by the Blue House Press Photographers Group, Yonhap News Agency

That afternoon, President Lee, dressed in a yellow civil defense uniform, first visited the joint memorial altar for the victims set up at the passenger terminal of Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do. The altar displayed the memorial tablets and photos of the 179 victims. President Lee, along with Blue House aides and government officials, wore sky-blue ribbon badges in memory of the victims, laid flowers, and observed a moment of silence.

President Lee then moved to the site of the localizer accident and received a briefing on the remains recovery from Kim Kyuhyung, Acting Chairperson and Standing Member of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board. Kim explained that the renewed search began on April 13, and that 250 personnel from the military, police, and fire departments are working in six designated zones within the airport. So far, 1,329 remains and related items, 776 personal belongings, and about 930 kilograms of aircraft debris have been discovered, with overall progress at approximately 8%.

At the site, President Lee focused on the low progress rate and the reasons for the delays. When told that some operations had been temporarily halted due to concerns over soil contamination from aviation fuel leaks, and that health checks, soil safety analysis, and contaminated soil removal procedures were required, he responded, "Even if there is soil contamination, can't the work continue with protective gear?" He continued, "Aren't health checks for participants, soil safety analysis, and soil removal separate matters? Can't they be conducted in parallel? For the sake of the bereaved families and the national economy, shouldn't this be done as quickly as possible? It's taking far too long," he pointed out.

President Lee Jae-myung is receiving a briefing on the progress at the Jeju Air crash victim recovery site at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do on the 18th. [Photo by Cheongwadae Communications Press Corps] Yonhap News

President Lee repeatedly questioned whether the initial search was inadequate. He stated, "We need to know whether the problem occurred even though the standard procedures were followed, or if the problem arose because the procedures were not properly followed. Only then can we decide whether to strengthen the standards or to address the failure to adhere to them." When Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok explained that the standards were ambiguous and the manual was lacking, President Lee responded, "The initial search was inadequate. The on-site recovery measures were too insufficient, and that was the problem. It was negligent," he criticized.

The bereaved families called for a thorough investigation without sanctuary and for those responsible to be held accountable. The victims’ families association stated, "The prosecution says that unless the issues of the embankment, aircraft defects, and pilot error are clearly clarified, they cannot proceed with prosecution. They say that prosecution is only possible after the investigation board’s results are available." They added, "It is extremely frustrating that no one is taking responsibility. Please order a thorough investigation without sanctuary into the complex aviation accident involving the embankment, bird strikes, aircraft defects, and pilot error."

President Lee Jae-myung is receiving an explanation at the Jeju Air disaster relics storage facility at Muan International Airport, Jeollanam-do on the 18th.
Photo by Cheong Wa Dae Press Photo Group, Yonhap News Agency

Additionally, President Lee called for heightened expertise in identifying the cause of the accident. When the bereaved families raised concerns about the professionalism and independence of the investigation board's investigators, President Lee instructed officials to consider bringing in overseas experts to ensure an objective review. He further suggested, "Consider entrusting the investigation entirely to a professional group."

President Lee also emphasized transparency in the disclosure of the investigation process. He said, "If the bereaved families or victims have any questions, disclose everything and inform them. Misunderstandings arise because they are not informed." When some family members expressed doubts about believing the official findings, President Lee replied, "We must address any shortcomings, no matter what it takes. Otherwise, nothing—including legal proceedings—can move forward."

President Lee then visited the victims’ belongings storage facility. The facility contained items such as clothing, shoes, suitcases, and personal hygiene products, which were found during the debris sorting in February and the remains recovery process that has continued since last month. The bereaved families pleaded, "This is too difficult," and "Please help us return to our daily lives." President Lee consoled them, saying, "I will do my best to look after this." The families responded, "Thank you so much," and "It feels like a thirst has been quenched."

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