The representative of the bereaved families from the Jeju Air disaster expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and civil servants from the fire and police departments for their assistance in handling the accident.
Park Han-shin, the representative of the Jeju Air disaster victims, said at a government briefing held at Muan Airport on the 5th, "This broadcast may be the last. The accident recovery was swift, allowing the families to find solace," Park noted.
Continuing, Park said, "The Minister and all civil servants, including the police and fire departments, endured much criticism and hardship. These individuals managed the accident recovery tirelessly for a week without going home, and on behalf of the bereaved families, I want to express my gratitude," Park said, becoming emotional at times.
Meanwhile, the authorities have completed the large-scale search operations to recover the remains and personal belongings of the Jeju Air disaster victims. For seven days following the accident, recovery operations were conducted at the accident site and surrounding areas, including the fuselage, runway, and reed fields. The remains of all 179 victims were recovered, and personal items with clear ownership were returned to the bereaved families.
The remains of the victims were handed over to the bereaved families following procedures, with most expected to be completed during the day. As of 9 a.m., the remains of 151 victims had been handed over, and it is anticipated that the rest, except for three victims (one family), will also be handed over to the bereaved families by the morning.
The delegation of bereaved families plans to hold a full meeting on around the 11th, when most funeral procedures are expected to be completed, to discuss future response directions.