The terminal at Muan International Airport, the site of South Korea's worst aviation disaster, now serves as a community center for the families of the 179 victims who died in the crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 on December 29. Relatives gather to share meals, support one another, and some even camp overnight in tents.
Families anxiously awaited news in the terminal after the flight crash-landed, resulting in tears and anger as officials announced the names of the deceased, many identified through DNA testing. “We’re a family now,” said one grieving father, emphasizing the bond formed among those who share this tragic experience.
As the investigation into the crash continues, families are demanding answers regarding the cause of the accident. The flight, which was returning vacationers from Thailand, crashed onto the runway, hitting a concrete berm and igniting a fire, leaving only two survivors. Relatives express frustration over the limited information provided by officials and the withholding of crucial records, including air traffic control transcripts.
Some family members have taken it upon themselves to educate themselves about aviation safety, studying flight recorders and airport design in hopes of understanding the factors that contributed to the crash. “The families’ first priority is to get the truth,” stated one relative, who has dedicated time to learning aviation terminology and regulations.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation may take over a year, with challenges such as the flight recorders ceasing to function in the final moments of the flight. Families have voiced concerns about the adequacy of the investigation team and the lack of transparency regarding communications from the control tower.
In response, South Korea’s transport ministry has stated that discussions are ongoing to increase the number of investigators and to potentially release air traffic control transcripts, which are not typically made public.
Many relatives have found solace in the airport, forming a community as they navigate their grief. Some have chosen to stay away, fearing the emotional toll of revisiting the site. The crash has also impacted the livelihoods of some victims' families, with one son expressing the burden of debt following his father's death.
The experiences of the bereaved echo those of families affected by past disasters in South Korea, highlighting feelings of isolation and distrust towards the government. As families continue to mourn, they are also preparing to seek accountability through potential lawsuits once the investigation concludes.
At the airport, one woman mourned the loss of an entire family, reflecting on the significance of remembering those who perished. Her brother noted the comfort found in the shared experiences of other families, stating, “Only here can we cry, only here can we laugh. We’re not leaving until the truth is told.”