Special Investigation Team for 'Passenger Plane Disaster' Reorganizes and Extends Probe

“No Fixed Extension Deadline, but Swift Investigation”

The police investigating the passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do in 2024 have extended the investigation period.

The Special Investigation Team for the December 29 Passenger Plane Disaster had previously extended its operation period once, until May 31. However, on June 1, the team announced that it had extended the investigation period further, taking into account the progress of the probe during consultations with the prosecution. The team explained that no separate deadline has been set for the extension, but they will do their utmost to reach a swift conclusion.

Firefighters are searching for fuel items at the scene of the Jeju Air passenger plane collision and explosion accident at Muan International Airport, Jeonnam. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang

The team will continue to be led by Chief Superintendent Han Donghoon, who was the original investigation team leader, but the number of personnel has been reorganized from 47 to around 20. This restructuring was reportedly decided considering the progress of the investigation and the deployment of personnel to local areas.

Previously, in March, the special investigation team conducted compulsory investigations into the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and other entities. The search and seizure targeted four officials who belonged to the Navigation Safety Policy Division and Airport Operations Division of the Ministry at the time of the disaster.

Meanwhile, in December 2024, a Jeju Air passenger plane from Bangkok attempted an emergency landing on the runway at Muan Airport and crashed into a concrete mound supporting the localizer antenna, resulting in an explosion. Of the 181 people on board (6 crew members and 175 passengers), 179 were killed. This incident resulted in the highest number of casualties in a domestic aviation accident.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.