At Muan International Airport in South Korea, families of the victims of the worst aviation disaster on Korean soil gather to mourn and seek the truth behind the tragedy. The terminal, once the site of the disaster, now serves as a community center for the families of the 179 who perished in the crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 on December 29. Families gather here to share stories, meals, and even stay overnight in tents, finding solace and understanding among those who have experienced a similar loss.
The families, however, are not just seeking comfort but also answers. They are dissatisfied with the slow trickle of information from officials, the refusal to release critical documents like control tower transcripts, and the lack of clarity around the cause of the crash. Some have resorted to learning about aviation safety and airport design themselves, diving into books and videos to understand the complex issues surrounding the accident.
Their efforts to understand the cause of the disaster include investigating the potential impact of a bird strike, the jet’s landing gear issues, and the design of the concrete berm the plane crashed into. Despite the challenges and setbacks, including the incomplete investigation and the loss of critical flight recording data, the families remain determined to uncover the truth. Their personal research and activism in response to the disaster reflect a broader trend of seeking accountability and understanding in the face of tragedy, mirroring the aftermath of other significant disasters in South Korea, such as the Sewol ferry sinking and the Itaewon crowd crush.
Through shared sorrow and a collective quest for answers, these families find a sense of community and purpose at the airport, far from the places where their loved ones are missed. They vow to stay until the truth is revealed and are prepared to take further action, including legal measures, to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/world/asia/south-korea-jeju-air-victims.html
