During the ongoing investigation into the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred on December 29, officials have discovered additional items believed to be connected to the victims. On the morning of the 5th, while conducting the third phase of debris recovery operations at Muan International Airport, authorities found a small bone fragment, approximately 3 centimeters in size, alongside two mobile phones. These items are being sent to the National Institute of Scientific Investigation for detailed analysis to confirm their origins and potential links to the victims of the crash.

Previously, on December 26, in the second phase of the search, remains that matched the DNA of the victims were also found, raising hopes that the recent discovery may further identify the victims. The government's ongoing efforts for an independent and swift investigation have led to the transfer of the Air and Railroad Accident Investigation Committee from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to the Prime Minister’s Office. Additionally, the police investigation unit has been restructured to ensure thorough accountability regarding the incident's causes and responsibilities.

The tragic accident involving Jeju Air Flight 7C 2216, which took off from Bangkok, Thailand, resulted in a catastrophic landing attempt at Muan International Airport, where the plane collided with a concrete embankment and exploded, leading to the deaths of 179 out of the 181 individuals on board, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members. Legal action is underway against 45 individuals, including government officials and Jeju Air staff, on charges of professional negligence leading to fatalities as the investigation deepens.