President Lee: "Why were the Muan Airport crash victims' remains left unattended? Conduct a thorough investigation"

According to The Financial News, on the 12th President Lee Jae Myung ordered a thorough investigation into why the victims' remains were not properly recovered in the early stages of the December 29 air disaster and why they were left unattended for more than a year. His directive came after an additional investigation recently uncovered nine remains belonging to seven victims.
Kyuyoun Lee, Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Relations, stated at a briefing at the Chunchugwan Press Center at the Blue House, "President Lee Jae Myung today received a report on the additional investigation into the wreckage from the December 29 air disaster."
According to Lee, the additional investigation has so far uncovered nine remains belonging to seven victims, 648 items of personal belongings including four mobile phones, and 155 aircraft parts.
President Lee said, "I extend my deepest regrets to the bereaved families, who are still engulfed in grief, over the fact that these remains have only now been discovered," expressing his condolences to the victims. He further ordered, "Hold those responsible for this situation strictly accountable."
Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House) explained that, following a request from the Bereaved Family Council to improve the storage conditions of wreckage kept at Muan International Airport and to conduct an additional investigation, it has been carrying out further examinations since the 12th of last month together with the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency, the Forensic Investigation Unit, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), and Jeju Air.
With the investigation still unfinished 15 months after the disaster, President Lee also called for a thorough and swift probe. Kyuyoun Lee said, "Through a meticulous investigation, we will show proper respect to the bereaved families and fully uphold our responsibility in disaster response."
The additional investigation will continue through the end of this month. Multiple rounds of examinations are under way on wreckage stored in 90 large sacks at Muan International Airport, and there is a possibility that more remains could be found during the process.
On the issue of reopening Muan International Airport, officials explained, "The site must be preserved until the on-site investigation is completed," adding, "We plan to discuss whether to reopen the airport after finishing the on-site investigation and preservation." Cheong Wa Dae said it will continue to consult closely with the Bereaved Family Council throughout this process.

west@fnnews.com Reporter Sung Seok-woo Reporter