Jeju Air crash investigation unit searches ministry again

South Korea's special investigation unit for the December 29 Jeju Air crash has launched a second search of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The operation began Tuesday morning at the ministry's offices.

The police's National Investigation Headquarters' special investigation team for the '12.29 Aircraft Crash' is conducting the search. This follows a previous search of the ministry conducted in March. The investigation unit is reportedly reviewing whether key suspects, including former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sang-woo, can be charged under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.

Earlier, on May 29, the special investigation unit announced it had shared its investigation status with prosecutors. This included recommendations for indicting 34 individuals and processing five others in custody. The ministry is under scrutiny for allegations that it attempted to suppress or conceal facts during the initial stages of the investigation. Specifically, suspicions revolve around the ministry's early statements suggesting a concrete embankment near the crash site did not violate regulations.

The prosecution is reportedly seeking further legal review, awaiting the results of investigations into potential aircraft defects and pilot error from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Committee. The exact findings of this committee are crucial for determining the legal course of action.