New aviation chief vows 'truth without deviation' in Jeju Air crash probe

Choi Ki-young, the newly appointed chairman of the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), has pledged to uncover the truth behind the Dec. 29 Jeju Air passenger jet crash with "not an inch of deviation." He met with bereaved families at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province to discuss the ongoing search for remains.

"While time is crucial, our immediate priority is to recover all remains without omission and to determine the cause with absolute accuracy," Choi stated during the meeting, which was the first since his appointment on July 18. He assured families that efforts would be made to achieve both speed and truth in the investigation. Choi, a professor with over 40 years of experience in aircraft research, emphasized the importance of the investigative approach, stating, "As an engineer, I will meticulously examine the rationality of cause and effect to reveal the truth."

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Time is crucial, but our immediate priority is to recover all remains without omission and to determine the cause with absolute accuracy.

Families of the victims requested transparent information sharing and a thorough investigation that includes examining potential aircraft defects and pilot error. Kim Yu-jin, head of the bereaved families' association, stressed the need for "proper investigation" rather than just a quick one. They demanded transparent information disclosure, the establishment of a comprehensive accident investigation plan, and guaranteed participation in the investigation process.

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As an engineer, I will meticulously examine the rationality of cause and effect to reveal the truth.

"We live each day waiting for an answer as to why our loved ones could not return," one family member said. "Please consider us as stakeholders to communicate with until the end, not just recipients of the investigation results."

Choi also inspected the crash site runway and the storage of recovered items. While the search is 77% complete as of July 31, the scope may expand. Approximately 1,609 presumed human remains and 844 personal items have been found. The search, temporarily suspended due to heatwaves, is expected to resume on August 10.

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We live each day waiting for an answer as to why our loved ones could not return. Please consider us as stakeholders to communicate with until the end, not just recipients of the investigation results.