Overview
- A simulation cited by Rep. Kim Eun-hye found all 179 victims likely would have survived if the concrete support for the runway localizer had not existed or had been designed to break on impact.
- Modeling indicated the Boeing 737-800’s initial runway slide was not severe enough to cause serious injuries and the aircraft would have stopped after roughly 630–770 meters without the barrier.
- The Land Ministry reversed its earlier stance and acknowledged the localizer installation failed to comply with airport safety standards, which require frangible structures within 240 meters of a runway end; the mound sat 199 meters from the threshold.
- Records show a 2020 airport upgrade included a requirement to review frangibility, yet the concrete mound remained, intensifying calls for accountability and legal changes.
- Families call the disaster man-made and demand apologies and criminal probes as a cross-party parliamentary investigation proceeds, the final accident report remains pending, and Muan Airport stays closed until April 2026.