Families of Jeju Air Disaster Victims Request Extension of Memorial Spaces

On January 2, the families of the victims from the Jeju Air disaster, which resulted in 179 fatalities, held a press conference at Jeonnam Muan International Airport. They expressed their gratitude for the public's support, stating, "Thanks to the comfort and concern from the citizens, we are managing to endure this difficult time." They emphasized the need to return home for funerals with their families, but due to the lengthy and challenging recovery process, they earnestly requested an extension of the memorial spaces set up across the country. Currently, memorial sites have been established at Muan Airport, Muan Sports Park, the Jeonnam Provincial Office's Meeting Plaza, the May 18 Meeting Plaza, and Sejong City Hall, while other local memorials will remain open until January 4, the end of the national mourning period. The family representatives also addressed the recovery process for the remains of Thai nationals, stating that they are working with the Jeju Air disaster legal support team to assist the families of the Thai victims. Regarding the establishment of a memorial space, they noted the challenges due to the differing connections of the victims but mentioned that Gwangju City has proposed a designated area in Yeongnak Park for families in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions to pay their respects. They expressed their gratitude for this initiative.