Tragedy Strikes South Korea: Urgent Air Safety Inspection After Deadly Jeju Air Crash

In the wake of South Korea’s deadliest plane crash that claimed 179 lives, the acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has mandated an immediate emergency safety inspection of all airline operations in the country. The crash occurred at Muan International Airport when a Jeju Air Boeing B737-800 burst into flames after a failed landing attempt, leaving only two crew members alive.

Following the disaster, it was reported that another Jeju Air flight had to return to Seoul shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue related to the landing gear, raising concerns about the airline’s fleet, which predominantly consists of the same aircraft model as the ill-fated flight.

The tragedy has spurred calls for transparency as Choi has urged investigators to quickly release findings to the victims’ families. Boeing has offered support to Jeju Air amid the crisis. Many of the passengers who perished ranged from ages three to 78, with the majority being middle-aged.

As the nation grapples with this catastrophic event, it also faces ongoing political instability, compounded by the recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Acting President Choi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, identifying it as a national tragedy during difficult economic times, and emphasizing his commitment to addressing the situation promptly. Jeju Air has witnessed a plunge in share prices following the incident, signaling broader implications for the airline industry in South Korea.