South Korea president affirms the truth as calls for answers are rekindled by the anniversary of the Jeju Air crash

President Lee Jae Myung apologises to victims’ families, offering responsibility as unsolved issues continue one year after catastrophic crash.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has apologised to the families of 179 people killed in the Jeju Air crash, pledging to seek the truth behind the country’s biggest aviation disaster as it commemorated its one anniversary.

In a statement issued on Monday, Lee acknowledged the suffering suffered by the relatives of the dead after the crash on December 29, 2024, and he took responsibility as head of state.

“I offer my deepest apologies as president, who has the responsibility to protect the lives and safety of the people,” Lee declared.

All but two of the 181 passengers on board were killed when the Jeju Air plane crashed into an embankment near the end of the runway after landing at Muan International Airport. The plane then burst into flames.

Families of the victims have continued to demand answers, particularly when investigators delayed publishing a detailed report into the cause of the accident. Both engines suffered bird hits, according to a preliminary study released in January by the government-led Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board.

Nevertheless, there are still unanswered concerns regarding potential safety violations, the layout of the Muan airport runway, and the pilots’ behavior during the last moments of the flight.

According to Lee, “the catastrophe amply demonstrated the systemic issues and constraints of our society.” “What’s needed now is not perfunctory promises or empty words but rather real change and action.”

Proposals to restructure the accident investigation board with the goal of enhancing its independence and technical proficiency are presently being examined by the South Korean parliament.

In honor of the crash’s anniversary, relatives of the dead will host a memorial service at Muan International Airport in the southwest of the nation later on Monday.