Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has issued an apology to the families of victims of the Jeju Air plane crash that occurred a year ago, pledging to uncover the full truth behind the incident, which marks the nation's deadliest air disaster.

According to Thai News Agency, President Lee expressed his deepest apologies in a statement, acknowledging the systemic failures revealed by the tragedy. He emphasized the necessity for substantial reforms over superficial promises, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding the lives of South Korean citizens.

The statement coincides with a memorial service organized by the victims' families at Muan International Airport, the site of the Boeing 737-800 crash. The plane, attempting an emergency landing with unextended landing gear, collided with a concrete barrier, resulting in an explosion that claimed the lives of nearly all 179 passengers, leaving only two survivors. Families are pressing for the expedited release of a comprehensive investigation report, which remains pending. An initial report pointed to bird strikes on both engines as a factor, but critical questions about airport safety and pilot decision-making linger.

In the wake of the accident, South Korea's parliament is considering reforms to aviation and railway accident investigation committees, criticized for their sluggish response times. This review comes despite the International Civil Aviation Organization's standards, which call for accident investigations to conclude within a year.