SEOUL, South Korea — On New Year’s Day, families of the victims from a recent plane crash in South Korea gathered at the crash site to honor their loved ones. Authorities confirmed that all 179 victims have been identified, marking a somber milestone in a heartbreaking incident.
Among the 181 individuals on board the Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air, only two survived the tragic crash that occurred at Muan International Airport. Eyewitness videos captured the plane attempting to land without its landing gear, skidding along the runway before colliding with a concrete fence and igniting into flames.
The majority of the deceased were South Korean citizens, with two individuals from Thailand, who were returning from Christmas vacations in Bangkok.
During the memorial service, grieving relatives placed white flowers, knelt, and offered deep bows at a memorial table adorned with traditional foods, including “ddeokguk,” a rice cake soup typically enjoyed on New Year’s Day. The emotional scene underscored the profound loss felt by the families, with some visibly overwhelmed by grief.
The South Korean Transport Ministry reported that while the identification efforts have been completed, they faced challenges due to the severe condition of some of the remains. So far, 11 bodies have been returned to their families.
An investigation is underway to determine the specific cause of the crash. Early evidence suggests that the aircraft may have experienced engine trouble along with issues with the landing gear. Before the incident, the pilot reported receiving warnings about potential bird strikes and issued a distress signal.
Officials are also examining whether the localizer equipment—designed to assist planes during landing—was appropriately constructed. The current structures at the airport may require changes to ensure safer landings in the future.
In response to the crash, the South Korean government has initiated safety inspections across all Boeing 737-800s operating within the nation. Additionally, a team from the United States, including representatives from Boeing, has arrived to assist in the investigation and assess the crash site.
