South Korean police look to charge 7 for lying about concrete structure in Jeju Air crash

South Korea's police have announced their intent to seek indictments against seven officials from the transport ministry in connection with the fatal 2024 Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport. The Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air skidded off the runway after its landing gear failed to deploy, crashing into a concrete structure and igniting. Of the 181 people on board, all but two tragically perished.

At the heart of the investigation are allegations that the officials were responsible for crafting media statements claiming that the localizers, a set of antennas guiding aircraft during landings, were installed in compliance with relevant regulations. However, these statements were found to be false. Consequently, police have referred the cases to prosecutors, seeking criminal charges of falsifying official documents against the seven officials.

Upon conviction, these officials could face up to seven years in prison. The transport ministry has remained silent on the police's announcement. In addition to the seven officials, police are currently probing nearly 70 other individuals, including those involved in the installation of the localizers and the management of Muan airport.

The crash marked South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster since 1997, though an exact, formal cause has yet to be determined, and no one has been legally prosecuted to date.