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Ministry of Land officials referred to prosecution over Muan Airport crash cover-up
Seven officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport have been referred to the prosecution on charges of creating and distributing false official documents. The investigation concerns the aftermath of the December 29, 2024, Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, which resulted in 179 fatalities.
According to the Special Investigation Team of the Korean National Police Agency, the officials allegedly released press materials on December 30 and 31, 2024, claiming that the airport's localizer was installed in compliance with safety regulations. However, investigators found that the officials were aware the localizer was installed on a concrete mound that violated safety standards, which require such obstacles to be made of breakable materials to minimize impact damage during accidents.
Police assert that the Ministry intentionally omitted unfavorable regulations and selectively interpreted rules to protect the agency from liability. Internal documents seized during searches suggest the Ministry was aware of the potential illegality of the installation. While seven officials have been sent to the prosecution, the investigation into the original installation of the concrete structure and the full accountability for the crash is expected to continue through the end of the year.
Entities
International Civil Aviation Organization · Jeju Air · Korean National Police Agency · Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport · Muan International Airport · Yeoju City Hall
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport selectively cited regulations to favor the ministry while omitting unfavorable rules. www.jnilbo.com · www.kyeonggi.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A total of 74 people have been booked in connection with the December 29 aircraft accident. www.kyeonggi.com · www.seoul.co.kr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The officials allegedly distributed press materials on December 30 and 31, 2024, claiming the Muan Airport localizer was installed according to regulations despite knowing it violated them. www.jnilbo.com · www.kyeonggi.com · www.seoul.co.kr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The localizer was installed on a concrete mound that did not meet the requirement to be made of breakable material for obstacles near runways. www.jnilbo.com · www.kyeonggi.com · www.seoul.co.kr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Seven Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport officials have been referred to the prosecution for allegedly creating and distributing false official documents. www.jnilbo.com · www.kyeonggi.com · www.seoul.co.kr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation into the installation of the concrete mound and specific responsibility for the accident is expected to continue until the end of the year. www.seoul.co.kr