Cha Hyung-seok, vice chairman of Aekyung Group, noted on the 29th at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane accident that, "We will do our utmost to support not only Jeju Air but also Aekyung in swiftly addressing the incident and ensuring that necessary measures are taken." Jeju Air is owned by Aekyung Group.
On the same day at approximately 7:53 p.m., Vice Chairman Cha visited the second floor of Muan Airport where the families of the victims were waiting, and said, "I apologize that something that should not have happened has happened," adding, "I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives in this accident and sincerely apologize to the bereaved families."
He stated, "I deeply feel the sorrow and pain that many are experiencing due to this accident that caused the loss of precious lives, and I accept the responsibility with great weight. I will actively cooperate with the investigations and support from the relevant authorities," adding, "I will listen to the voices of the victims' families and provide all necessary support."
Vice Chairman Cha visited Muan Airport that day with Kim I-bae, CEO of Jeju Air, Ko Jun, newly appointed CEO of AK Holdings, and Lee Jeong-seop, head of planning at Jeju Air. Jeju Air dispatched approximately 250 employees to Muan Airport for accident response and support for the families of the victims.
The bereaved families shouted at the Jeju Air officials, who appeared about 11 hours after the accident, "Why are you only here now?" The temporary representative of the bereaved families asked Vice Chairman Cha, "Can’t you arrive in two to three hours if you take the high-speed train?" and questioned, "Would you have acted this way if your family had died?"
Responding to a question from the bereaved families, asking, "What specific support will you provide to the families?" CEO Kim replied, "We will assign staff to support you throughout the entire process until the funeral," adding, "The assigned staff will continue to be by your side to assist with all processes until everything is resolved."