A Jeju Air passenger plane, returning from Bangkok, crashed at Muan Airport, South Korea, on Sunday morning. The aircraft, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, skidded off the runway following an apparent landing gear failure, striking a concrete fence and erupting in flames. This incident constitutes one of the nation’s most devastating aviation tragedies.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:03 a.m. Muan is situated about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. The devastating fire claimed the lives of at least 177 people – 84 women, 82 men, and 11 individuals whose gender remains unconfirmed. Two crew members survived and are receiving medical attention.
Two individuals remain unaccounted for approximately nine hours after the crash. Of the recovered remains, 57 victims have been identified thus far. The passengers were largely South Korean citizens, with two Thai nationals also onboard.
Emergency response included 32 fire trucks, several helicopters, and approximately 1,570 personnel from various agencies.
Broadcast footage depicts the aircraft traveling at high speed along the airstrip with its landing gear apparently retracted, exceeding the runway’s limits before impacting a concrete wall, resulting in an immediate fire. The plane was almost entirely destroyed, with only the tail section recognizable.
Muan fire station chief Lee Jeong-hyeon stated that investigators are exploring various causes, including the possibility of a bird strike.
Preliminary Transport Ministry findings indicate that the airport control tower issued a bird strike warning just before the intended landing, and the pilot received clearance for an alternate landing zone. A distress signal was transmitted by the pilot shortly before the plane veered off course. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered.
The ministry confirmed the presence of two Thai nationals among the passengers. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed condolences and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide immediate assistance. Airports of Thailand’s director, Kerati Kijmanawat, confirmed the plane’s departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport without incident.
Jeju Air issued a statement expressing deep regret and pledging full cooperation in managing the aftermath. In a televised press conference, Jeju Air’s president, Kim E-bae, apologized, assuming full responsibility and awaiting the results of the official investigation. He stated there were no prior reported mechanical issues.
Family members mourned at Muan airport as officials released the names of some of the deceased.
Boeing released a statement expressing condolences and confirming its readiness to support Jeju Air.
This incident ranks among South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters, following the 1997 Korean Air Lines crash in Guam (228 fatalities) and the 2013 Asiana Airlines crash-landing in San Francisco (3 fatalities and approximately 200 injuries).
The accident also ranks among the world’s most severe landing incidents since the 2007 Sao Paulo Airbus A320 crash (187 fatalities on board and 12 on the ground) and the 2010 Air India Express crash in Mangalore (158 fatalities).
The incident coincides with a significant political crisis in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment proceedings against acting President Han Duck-soo. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok assumed responsibilities and has directed full emergency response efforts.
President Yoon’s office indicated that Chief Secretary Chung Jin-suk would convene an emergency meeting to discuss the matter.
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