On the 28th, a day before the first anniversary of the December 29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, mourners laid flowers at the joint memorial altar on the first floor of Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. (Yonhap News)
President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 29th, marking the first anniversary of the December 29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, “I know that no words can offer complete comfort, but as a president with the responsibility to protect the lives and safety of the people, I offer my deepest apologies.”
Ahead of the disaster’s first anniversary memorial service at Muan International Airport, President Lee expressed in a public video memorial message, “It has been a year since the passenger plane disaster at Muan Airport brought deep sadness to us all,” conveying his apology.
He further expressed grief by stating, “The precious lives of 179 individuals who boarded the plane to return to their everyday lives after vacations with loved ones or completing business trips overseas were tragically lost in an instant. Who could dare to forget the massive shock and pain of that day?”
He continued, “Now, we need more than just formal promises or hollow words; we need substantive changes and actions,” adding, “I will actively support strengthening the independence and expertise of the Aircraft and Railway Accident Investigation Board and make every effort to uncover the causes of the passenger plane disaster.”
Additionally, the President promised, “I will prioritize the restoration of the daily lives of the bereaved families, providing comprehensive support covering psychological, medical, legal, and livelihood areas, without omission and continuously.”
He also vowed, “Ensuring that such a tragedy never repeats itself is the least we can do to honor the victims. I am committed to making a country where even small risks are neither neglected nor overlooked, where responsibility is clearly taken, and where everyone is safe.”
We wish for the peace of the disaster victims’ souls. Please refrain from spreading unverified information or blaming the victims. If you are experiencing psychological difficulties after the disaster, you can contact the National Trauma Center at ☎02-2204-0001 or the Mental Health Crisis Counseling Hotline at 1577-0199 for professional counseling.
※ This article complies with the disaster reporting guidelines.