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Families of South Korea Plane Crash Victims File Criminal Complaint, Demand Justice for 179 Lives Lost

“This was not a simple accident,” said a spokesperson for the victims’ families at a press briefing in Seoul. “

Families of South Korea Plane Crash Victims File Criminal Complaint, Demand Justice for 179 Lives Lost

Seoul, South Korea – In a bold move to seek justice and accountability, families of those killed in the devastating Jeju Air plane crash last December have filed a criminal complaint against 15 individuals, accusing them of professional negligence. The crash, which occurred during the plane’s attempted landing, resulted in the tragic deaths of 179 of the 181 people on board—marking it as the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea’s history.

The complaint, filed by 72 grieving relatives, targets high-ranking officials, including the country’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the CEO of Jeju Air. The families argue that the tragedy was not the result of an unfortunate mechanical failure or unforeseeable weather conditions, but rather the consequence of systemic failures, lax oversight, and grave professional misconduct.

“This was not a simple accident,” said a spokesperson for the victims’ families at a press briefing in Seoul. “It was the result of multiple layers of negligence—from those who were responsible for the safety of the aircraft to the highest levels of government who failed to enforce and monitor safety standards.”

 A Nation in Mourning

The December crash sent shockwaves across South Korea and the global aviation community. The Jeju Air flight was en route from Seoul to Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination, when it encountered difficulties during descent. Witnesses reported heavy winds and poor visibility at the time, but early reports suggest that human error and procedural violations may have played a more significant role than initially disclosed.

Only two people survived the crash—a crew member and a teenage passenger—both of whom remain hospitalized, battling physical injuries and emotional trauma. The overwhelming loss of life has left hundreds of families shattered, communities grieving, and serious questions unanswered.

Seeking Accountability : The bereaved families have voiced frustration at what they describe as a slow and insufficient government response. Despite public outcry and growing demands for transparency, the official investigation has yet to publish a full report detailing the cause of the crash. Relatives say they were kept in the dark during key phases of the inquiry, and were offered little more than condolences and compensation.

“In the name of our lost loved ones, we are demanding a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation,” said one grieving father, who lost his wife and son in the crash. “We want the truth. We want accountability. And we want to make sure this never happens again.”

Who Is Being Held Responsible?

Among the 15 individuals named in the criminal complaint are:

* The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, accused of failing to enforce aviation safety regulations;
* The CEO of Jeju Air, accused of compromising safety for profit and neglecting crew training protocols;
* Senior officials in the Civil Aviation Authority and airport management, for alleged failure in risk assessment and emergency preparedness;
* Members of the airline’s safety audit committee, for approving flight operations despite known safety risks.

Families of victims from South Korea plane crash
Jeju Aeroplane Crash South Korea

The families are also pushing for an international panel to oversee the investigation, citing potential conflicts of interest and lack of public confidence in the current process.

A Call for Reform :This tragedy has reignited public debate over South Korea’s aviation safety policies, and whether regulatory agencies have been too lenient toward commercial airlines in recent years. Critics argue that in the rush to support tourism and economic growth, safety checks were weakened, and oversight became symbolic rather than substantive.

Opposition lawmakers have called for an emergency parliamentary hearing, while civil society organizations have begun circulating petitions demanding legislative reform in the aviation sector.

As legal proceedings begin and public pressure mounts, the victims’ families say they will not rest until justice is served.

“This is about the value of human life,” the spokesperson concluded. “No amount of money can replace our loved ones. But holding the responsible accountable is the first step toward healing—and ensuring this never happens to another family.”

The Jeju Air tragedy stands as a painful reminder of the cost of neglect, and the urgent need to prioritize safety and transparency over convenience and profit.

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