‘무안공항 로컬라이저 규정 부합 설치’ 허위작성 혐의 공무원 송치

Following the crash of a KOR Airways passenger plane, concrete slab structures installed at the Muan Airport have faced accusations of non-compliance with regulations. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport officials, responsible for installing these structures, have been handed over to prosecutors for investigation.

This is the first prosecution, seven months after the specialized unit's formation. However, critics argue that the investigation is taking too long, as it has shifted focus from the core issue of responsibility to procedural matters. The Special Investigation Unit (SIT) of the National Police Agency has indicted seven Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport officials for falsifying official documents and exercising improper authority.

They are accused of writing and distributing falsified documents stating that "the Muan Airport's localizer was installed in accordance with regulations" on December 30 and 31, 2024. Localizers, which provide directional information to aircraft, should be made of materials and structures that minimize damage in the event of a collision.

However, the Muan Airport has been criticized for installing a concrete slab structure with a localizer, which actually increases the risk of damage. The SIT believes that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport organized the creation of these false statements to counter public criticism. Even after an open Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport internal meeting where the relevant regulations were shared, and participants expressed concerns about non-compliance and the need for careful handling of the materials, the falsified documents did not reflect these concerns.

The SIT confirmed the existence of the Ministry's response to the situation, stating that "while considering the unavoidable nature of the concrete structure on the airport grounds, it acknowledges the potential illegality if not discovered in a timely manner." However, the core accusations related to the work and act of injuring victims are still pending investigation, leading to growing resentment from the victims' families.

Currently, 67 individuals are under investigation for involvement in the incident, but no indictments or convictions have been issued. The SIT has considered prioritizing the prosecution of those involved in falsifying documents but, according to the prosecution's standpoint, no further action will be taken until the investigation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Air Transport Accident Investigation Committee is complete.