One year on, Ko and other bereaved families say the investigation has failed to meet basic standards of transparency and fairness. The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, an investigative body under the Transportation Ministry, has led the probe since the crash. A year of stalled findings and unanswered questions has taken a growing psychological toll on bereaved families, including those who remain near the airport awaiting answers. An internal survey conducted by South Jeolla Province found that up to 89 per cent of bereaved families showed symptoms consistent with clinical depression. Experts warn that bereaved families, exhausted by the shock of the tragedy and the prolonged process of seeking answers, may become increasingly isolated.

Source: The Star December 28, 2025 12:05 UTC