Police have referred seven transport ministry officials to prosecutors over statements about the localizer structure at Muan International Airport, adding a new accountability track to the investigation into the 2024 Jeju Air disaster. Investigators say the officials were involved in preparing or circulating material that described the structure as compliant with regulations.
The safety rule behind the referral
Police concluded that the concrete installation near the runway raised compliance problems under safety rules requiring structures in the relevant area to be frangible or otherwise designed to reduce collision risk. Investigators are examining whether officials knew of those issues when the ministry issued its explanation after the crash.
The December 29, 2024 crash killed 179 of the 181 people on board. The referrals do not by themselves establish criminal guilt, and prosecutors will determine the next legal steps. Police are separately continuing their investigation into possible professional negligence and other responsibility connected with the airport facilities and the fatal accident.