SEOUL — Families of victims from last December’s Jeju Air crash have filed a criminal complaint against 15 individuals, including South Korea’s transport minister and the airline’s CEO, alleging professional negligence.


The crash, which killed 179 of the 181 people on board, is the deadliest aviation disaster on South Korean soil. The bereaved families argue the tragedy was not an accident but a preventable disaster caused by mismanagement and regulatory failures.


The Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok to Muan, reported a bird strike minutes before attempting an emergency landing. The plane belly-landed without deploying its landing gear, overran the runway, and exploded after hitting a concrete structure.


Although authorities found bird feathers in both engines, investigators have not confirmed how significant the bird strike was in causing the crash. Nearly five months later, no charges have been filed, despite an ongoing police investigation and a travel ban placed on Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae.


Relatives criticized the slow pace of the probe. “We are filled with deep anger and despair,” said Kim Da-hye, speaking on behalf of the families. “We will not stop until the truth comes out.”


The complaint names airline officials, government regulators, and airport staff responsible for construction, maintenance, and bird control. It also questions the role of air traffic control and whether the runway met safety standards.


In the aftermath, several grieving families have faced online abuse and conspiracy theories, prompting the arrest of eight individuals for defamation and spreading misinformation.