South Korea Government Evaluates Compliance of Concrete Wall at Muan Airport with Regulations

South Korea announced it is reviewing regulations concerning a concrete wall at Muan airport, following a tragic incident where a Jeju Air flight collided with the barrier, resulting in a fire and the loss of 179 lives.

In response to inquiries about the safety of utilizing concrete for the airport barrier—highlighted as potentially unsafe by experts—director-general for airport policy Kim Hong-rak stated that the government would “examine the relevant regulations and their application.”

At the same time, authorities have started to return victims’ bodies to their families as investigators work to uncover the reasons behind the crash landing of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800.

US investigators, including representatives from Boeing, arrived at the crash site in southwestern Muan, while South Korean officials began analyzing two black boxes retrieved from the charred remains of the aircraft.

Only two individuals, both crew members, survived the incident.

South Korea has declared seven days of mourning, with flags being flown at half-mast.

Mourners gathered near the site of the crash at Muan International Airport.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office just last Friday, described the event as a “turning point” for the nation, advocating for a complete reform of air safety protocols.

He urged officials to “thoroughly reassess the overall aircraft operational system … and promptly implement any necessary improvements.”

“Today signifies the last day of 2024,” he stated, encouraging citizens to “reflect on the past year and prepare for the upcoming one.”

“I recognize that whenever faced with challenges, both domestically and internationally, all citizens and public officials have united with shared resolve to overcome these crises,” he added.

At Muan airport, investigators meticulously examined the damaged fuselage, while soldiers carefully searched the surrounding fields, as people left ritual offerings for the victims—such as food and letters—near the airport boundary.

“Captain, first officer, and crew members, thank you for your utmost effort to save the passengers. I pray for your eternal rest,” read one letter affixed to the fence.

Inside the airport, where relatives of the victims have been stationed since Sunday, frustration was rising due to delays in the identification process for those on board.

Relatives of the passengers gathered near a makeshift shelter at the airport.

However, officials confirmed that they have started releasing some bodies to their families, even as the identification efforts continue.

“Of the 179 victims, the bodies of four have been handed over to their bereaved families for funerals,” stated transport minister Park Sang-woo at Muan International Airport.

“For 28 victims, whose identities have been confirmed and autopsies completed, we will allow funeral arrangements to commence from 2 PM (5 AM Irish time) today with family consent,” he added.

One family tragically lost nine members, including the oldest passenger, who was embarking on his first overseas trip to celebrate his birthday, according to local broadcaster KBC.

The passenger, surnamed Bae, was traveling with his wife, two daughters, a son-in-law, and four grandchildren, including a five-year-old.

The entire family perished, except for one daughter’s husband—who could not join the trip—now grieving the loss of his wife and three children.

“Yesterday, the village chief visited Muan Airport and reported that the son-in-law was in utter despair, expressing, ‘I should have gone with them and died with them,'” KBC reported.

Memorial altars for the victims have been established across the country, including in Seoul.

At Muan airport, families were overseeing the setup of a new altar, adorned with black and white funeral flowers filling the area.

A comprehensive explanation of the flight’s final moments is anticipated once authorities analyze the black boxes.

“Regarding the black box, surface contamination cleaning has been completed at the testing and analysis center, and its condition is currently under evaluation,” deputy civil aviation minister Joo Jong-wan stated.

“However, the flight data recorder’s data storage unit is still being assessed,” he added, noting that it was discovered with a missing connector.

Technical evaluations are ongoing to determine the process for data extraction.