45 Officials Facing Negligence Charges in Jeju Air Crash Probe

Authorities in South Korea have launched a comprehensive investigation into the Jeju Air accident that killed 179 people on December 29, 2024. The probe now encompasses 45 individuals suspected of professional negligence that may have aggravated the fatal outcome.

Police raids on the Korea Airports Corporation, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Busan regional aviation office were conducted to secure relevant paperwork, logs, and communication records. These materials are expected to clarify whether safety protocols at Muan International Airport were adhered to before and after the crash.

The Korean aviation sector has faced heightened scrutiny since the incident, with questions about airport preparedness, emergency response efficacy, and administrative accountability. The special investigation unit indicated that, based on evidence gathered, additional charges related to endangering public safety could be filed.

Korea Airports Corporation, which runs most domestic airports, holds key operational data that investigators deem essential. The ongoing inquiry reflects a shift from focusing solely on technical fault lines to also holding agencies and personnel answerable for potential managerial failures.