[467 Reporter' Eye] Rest in peace, beloved ones

   A tragic disaster that should never have occurred at Muan International Airport. A joint mourning altar was set up on the first floor of the airport, and a national period of mourning was declared. Many citizens remain unable to forget the shocking images they saw shocking footage, and are deeply saddened. Many of the 179 people who died in the worst aviation disaster had gone on family trips for Christmas and the New Year holidays.

   On February 15th, 2025, at 10 A.M., 49-day memorial service was held on the first floor of Muan Airport. Many people gathered to pay their respects, and volunteers actively supported the bereaved families.

   The attitude of some reporters and the public after the disaster was disappointing. The aviation accidents are thoroughly investigated over a long period. However, some individuals, after watching a few YouTube videos, spread rumors and claimed that they had found the cause of the disaster. In addition, driven by the urgency of breaking news, some reporters relentlessly asked firemen indiscriminate questions and hastily concluded the cause of the accident with little supporting evidence. There were also instances of people using the political situation to attack or slander the then-government, and this behavior spread on the Internet.

   Furthermore, some individuals continued to spread malicious comments and rumors about the supports from the government for the bereaved families, perpetuating secondary harm. These individuals are likely to be a small, anonymous group online, but the media must take a firm stance against such behaviors, criticize them, fact-check to vet any questionable claims as part of a journalistic practice, and convey only the facts not encouraging politically divided debates about this tragedy. Reporters must reflect on the power, control, and influence they hold over society and public discourse.

   We should take this opportunity to properly prepare and check airplane safety accidents by establishing a system. Government and citizens need to work on improving laws and systems in order to focus on the maintenance of facilities and air traffic to raise awareness of aviation safety. This disaster must serve as a lesson to prevent future accidents. In addition, the public should develop critical thinking and sensitive views not to fall into the trap of misinformation but to make reasoned decisions and strive to build a more mature civil society.

   The tragedy that claimed the lives of 179 people should not simply be remembered as the death of 179 individuals, but as “a disaster where one individual died 179 times.” This should be a collective effort to build a more mature society. I hope that such tragedies never happen again, and that a society is created where innocent people are not sacrificed, and families of the victims do not suffer.

   Rest in peace, beloved ones.