Investigators of the Jeju Air crash recover the debris of the aircraft at Muan International Airport on Wednesday (Jan 15, 2025). - Photo: Yonhap
SEOUL: The wreckage of the Jeju Air plane that crashed at Muan International Airport was set to be fully retrieved by Wednesday (Jan 15), the government said, promising a detailed analysis of all recovered debris.
At the 18th meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, the Interior Ministry's chief disaster management official Lee Han-kyung said that investigations comparing flight data recorders, cockpit voice recorders, air traffic control records, and video footage are ongoing.
To ensure a meticulous investigation, the government has temporarily closed Muan International Airport's runway until all on-site inspections are completed.
Addressing the growing issue of online harassment, Lee said that the National Office of Investigation has arrested five suspects and identified 26 others for spreading defamatory content targeting victims and their families.
"The police are accelerating their investigation into malicious posts, defamatory comments and false information related to the victims and their families," Lee emphasised.
He urged the public to refrain from actions that could deepen the suffering of grieving families, stating, "As the family representatives have expressed, please avoid causing further harm to those enduring immense pain."
The government also announced plans to improve safety facilities at seven airports, including Gwangju and Yeosu, by upgrading their protective barriers by the end of the year.
The decision follows safety inspections that revealed structural risks in certain airport navigation facilities.
A major focus of the safety upgrades is the replacement or modification of concrete-based localiser structures, which have been cited as a contributing factor in the Jeju Air crash.
Localisers are critical for guiding aircraft during landings, and the presence of concrete barriers has raised concerns about their impact on flight safety.
In response to the wishes of the victims' families, a joint memorial service will be held on Jan 18.
Lee assured that the government will prioritise the families' concerns throughout the investigation.
"We will transparently share every stage of the investigation with the families and sincerely listen to their feedback," he said. - The Korea Herald/ANN
