Families of Jeju Air Crash Victims Take Legal Action Against Airline Executives

In a significant legal action, families of victims from the disastrous Jeju Air plane crash are filing a criminal complaint against top officials, demanding justice and transparency.

The tragedy struck on December 29 when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok to Muan International Airport, crashed without its landing gear deployed, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of 181 passengers. In the wake of this catastrophe, 72 grieving relatives have formally accused 15 individuals, including South Korea's transport minister and Jeju Air's CEO, of professional negligence. They assert that the crash was a "major civic disaster" prompted by inadequate management of safety risks rather than a mere accident.

Despite the passage of nearly five months since the crash, investigations into its cause are ongoing, leaving families frustrated and demanding accountability. A representative for the families, Kim Da-hye, has voiced their discontent, stating they are "filled with deep anger and despair" over the lack of progress. The complaint also includes concerns regarding air traffic control responses and whether safety regulations were violated during airport operations.

The incident began shortly after the aircraft took off from Bangkok when the pilots reported a bird strike and declared a mayday. Attempts to land from an alternate direction ended with a belly landing that caused the plane to overrun the runway and explode upon impact. Although investigators have found evidence of bird feathers in the engines, the impact of the bird strike on the crash remains unclear.

Moreover, the families have faced harassment online, with malicious posts questioning their legitimacy and suggesting they are profiting from the tragedy. This has led to the apprehension of several individuals for their defamatory remarks. The family’s pursuit of justice highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety and corporate responsibility in South Korea.