On December 29, the families of the victims of the Jeju Air passenger aircraft disaster urged for a thorough investigation into the accident.
Around 40 family members held a related rally in front of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport office in Sejong City on the 16th. They released a statement containing a total of seven demands.
They pointed out, "This is the most devastating event in the history of domestic aviation, yet it is being forgotten without any truth being revealed or accountability assigned."
They meticulously identified the causes of the accident. They argued, "There were requests for improvements in Dundeok in 2004 and 2007 before the airport opened, but they have been ignored for over 20 years."
Additionally, they raised concerns about Jeju Air's inadequate training for bird strike scenarios, the possibility of defects in the aircraft, overall management failures, and risks of truth concealment.
The family members requested the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to "disclose the direct causes of the disaster and the reality of Dundeok," and demanded, "For a fair investigation, establish an independent committee."
They also suggested transparent information disclosure, stating, "Immediately release the FDR and CVR data from the black box. Inform the families about the status of the investigation."
Regarding the special law that passed in the National Assembly last month, they commented, "Substantial amendments reflecting truth investigation, accountability for those responsible, and measures to prevent recurrence are necessary."
They stated, "We will not overlook Jeju Air's actions in sending postal materials suggesting final agreements with the families," adding, "We will not stop until the truth is revealed."
Meanwhile, on the 13th, the families of the disaster victims filed a complaint against 15 individuals, including the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the CEO of Jeju Air, and the CEO of Korea Airports Corporation, on charges of violating aviation safety laws.
<Photo provided by the victims' families>
