![Firefighters conduct rescue operations at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province after a Jeju Air passenger jet veered off the runway and slammed into a perimeter wall while attempting to land on Dec. 29, 2024. [Herald Business DB]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/10/9/news-p.v1.20260610.95dcecc1d42b4b64aaa430fa22db8c14_P1.jpg)
By Kim A-rin, The Herald Business
A special police investigation unit probing the Dec. 29 Jeju Air disaster at Muan International Airport launched a forced search Wednesday of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The unit said it began executing a search and seizure warrant at the ministry at 9 a.m. Wednesday, seeking additional materials needed to determine the cause of the crash.
Police established the special unit on Jan. 29 after criticism mounted that a South Jeolla Provincial Police investigation stretching more than a year had stalled. The Korean National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters then took over direction of the probe.
A bereaved families' group called the Alliance for Special Law Revision on Systemic Failures and State Condolence Payments held a press conference Monday in front of the Finance Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, saying "one year and five months have passed, yet the investigation has still not provided sufficient answers." The group urged authorities to commission overseas expert agencies to help determine the cause of the disaster.
The crash occurred around 9 a.m. on Dec. 29, 2024, when a Jeju Air flight arriving from Bangkok, Thailand attempted a belly landing at Muan International Airport and collided with a concrete localizer structure. Of the 181 people on board, 179 were killed.
arin@heraldcorp.com
