What Led to the Jeju Air Crash? South Korea's Parliamentary Probe Begins
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Synopsis
South Korea's National Assembly has launched a parliamentary investigation into the deadly Jeju Air crash, which claimed 179 lives. The 18-member committee aims to uncover the truth behind the tragedy, addressing concerns about transparency and potential cover-ups in the initial government probe. Families of the victims demand an independent inquiry to ensure accountability.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea's National Assembly initiates a probe into the Jeju Air crash.
- 179 lives were lost in the tragic incident.
- The inquiry will explore potential causes, including bird strikes and aircraft defects.
- Victims' families demand an independent investigation for transparency.
- Protests highlight the need for accountability in aviation safety.
Seoul, Dec 22 (NationPress) The National Assembly of South Korea has officially initiated a special parliamentary committee to delve into the precise circumstances surrounding the tragic Jeju Air plane accident that resulted in the loss of 179 lives last year.
On December 29 of the previous year, the Jeju Air aircraft returning from Bangkok caught fire after colliding with a concrete mound while attempting an emergency belly landing at Muan International Airport, approximately 290 kilometers south of Seoul, following a bird strike.
The committee, composed of 18 members and set to operate for a minimum of 40 days, aims to thoroughly investigate various factors that may have contributed to the tragedy, including the bird strike, the mound the aircraft collided with, and potential defects in the aircraft, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Additionally, the committee will scrutinize whether there were any attempts to cover up details during the government's investigation into the crash.
This committee's establishment follows the government's decision to postpone the announcement of interim investigation results earlier this month.
Family members of the crash victims have expressed their dissent regarding the government's investigation, raising concerns about its transparency and integrity while demanding an independent inquiry.
Earlier this month, a group of bereaved families protested by shaving their heads in response to the government's interim probe findings, questioning the credibility of the investigation and advocating for an independent review.
A transport ministry investigation committee is scheduled to conduct a two-day hearing starting Thursday to reveal interim results related to the catastrophic incident that occurred on December 29 of last year at Muan International Airport.
A collective of victims' families, along with various civic organizations, staged a protest outside the presidential office in central Seoul, claiming the committee lacks transparency.
"The transport ministry has presented the disaster as being managed effectively while suppressing all information through 'self-investigation' and a 'black-out investigation' by the committee," stated Kim Yoo-jin, the leader of the bereaved families' group.
The group has called for the investigation to be overseen by an independent entity under the prime minister's office and for the hearing to be postponed, asserting that the probe cannot be trusted since the committee operates under the transport ministry, which manages aviation policies.
During the protest, five individuals shaved their heads, with some participants later clashing with police as they attempted to gain entry to the presidential office to meet President Lee Jae Myung.
Point of View
It is essential to maintain a focus on the broader implications of such tragic events. The establishment of this parliamentary committee demonstrates a commitment to uncovering the truth behind the Jeju Air crash and addressing the concerns raised by victims' families. The public's trust in government investigations is paramount, and ensuring transparency and accountability is crucial for future aviation safety.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Jeju Air crash?
The investigation is ongoing, but initial reports indicated that a bird strike led to the aircraft overshooting the runway and crashing.
How many lives were lost in the Jeju Air crash?
A total of 179 lives were lost in the tragic incident.
What is the role of the parliamentary committee?
The committee is tasked with investigating the causes of the crash, examining factors such as bird strikes, aircraft defects, and possible cover-ups.
Why are victims' families calling for an independent investigation?
Families have expressed concerns about the transparency and credibility of the government's investigation and are demanding an independent body to oversee the inquiry.
What protests have taken place regarding the investigation?
Victims' families have staged protests, including shaving their heads, to voice their opposition to the government's investigation and demand accountability.
