South Korea has begun releasing the bodies of victims from the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash to their families, as investigators work to determine the cause of the tragic accident.
According to the AFP, the crash, which occurred in Muan, southwestern South Korea, claimed 179 lives, with only two survivors—both flight attendants—rescued from the wreckage.
The ill-fated flight, carrying 181 passengers and crew from Thailand to South Korea, made a distress call before belly-landing, crashing into a barrier, and bursting into flames.
South Korea is observing a week of national mourning, with flags at half-mast. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office just days ago, described the tragedy as a “turning point” for the nation, pledging to overhaul air safety measures.
“We must thoroughly reexamine our aircraft operation systems and implement immediate improvements where necessary,” Choi said during a statement on Tuesday. “This devastating accident serves as a somber reminder as we reflect on the past year and prepare for the next.”
US investigators, including representatives from Boeing, have arrived at the crash site to assist South Korean authorities. Officials have retrieved two black boxes from the burned-out fuselage, though one flight data recorder was found missing a connector.
“Surface cleaning of the black box has been completed, and its condition is under assessment,” Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Joo Jong-wan explained. “However, technical reviews are ongoing to determine how to extract the critical data.”
At Muan airport, investigators examined the wreckage while soldiers combed nearby fields. Families and mourners left offerings of food and handwritten letters near the crash site, expressing grief and gratitude for the crew’s efforts.
“Captain, first officer, and crew members, thank you so much for doing your best to save the passengers. I pray for your eternal rest,” read one letter attached to the airport’s fence.
Relatives of those on board have been camped at Muan airport, voicing frustration over delays in identifying the victims. Transport Minister Park Sang-woo announced Tuesday that some bodies had been returned to their families.
“Of the 179 victims, the remains of four have completed the handover process to their bereaved families for funerals,” Park said. “For 28 others, whose identities have been confirmed and autopsies completed, funeral arrangements will begin later today, pending family consent.”
Among the victims was a family of nine, including an elderly man who had taken his first international trip to celebrate his birthday. Local media reported that the man, surnamed Bae, was traveling with his wife, two daughters, a son-in-law, and four grandchildren. None survived.
“The sole survivor in the family—a son-in-law who did not join the trip—was left devastated,” a village official told local broadcasters. “He lamented, ‘I should have gone with them and died with them.’”
Memorial altars have been established nationwide, including a prominent one at Muan airport. Families gathered to oversee the setup of an altar adorned with black-and-white funeral flowers.
