Chosun Ilbo Under Fire for Releasing Complete Passenger List from Muan Airport Crash

In a deeply controversial decision, Chosun Ilbo has drawn significant attention by publishing a comprehensive list of 175 passengers aboard the Jeju Air flight associated with the recent Muan Airport disaster. This release has ignited a firestorm of ethical and legal concerns due to the inclusion of sensitive information such as seat numbers, names in English, gender, dates of birth, and nationalities, all made public without the consent of individuals involved.

Echoes of Previous Controversies

This incident is reminiscent of prior situations wherein Chosun Ilbo criticized various media outlets for releasing victim lists without permission during the tragic Itaewon incident in 2022. At that time, Chosun Ilbo emphasized the violation of ethical standards in disaster reporting and highlighted the significant importance of handling personal data with sensitivity and respect.

Following the Itaewon tragedy, Chosun Ilbo published a report on November 15, 2022, rebuking the unauthorized release of victims’ identities, citing a disregard for established disaster reporting principles. These guidelines advocate for the protection of individual privacy and emotional well-being in the aftermath of such incidents.

Understanding the Muan Airport Disaster

The disaster unfolded at 9:05 AM when a Jeju Air flight originating from Bangkok attempted an emergency landing at Muan International Airport due to mechanical failures, ultimately crashing into the airport’s outer wall. This flight was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, bringing the total to 181 individuals on board. The calamity has raised urgent concerns and questions related to passenger safety.

South Korean Plane Crashes and Catches Fire

By 12:05 PM, officials reported a tragic toll of 62 fatalities alongside two survivors. However, authorities have not disclosed the identities of those who perished or survived, making the decision by Chosun Ilbo to publish the complete passenger list all the more contentious and criticized.

Breaching Disaster Reporting Guidelines

The published passenger list appears to contravene official disaster reporting guidelines, which include:

Article 11 (Public Information): Media coverage of accidents and victims should be based on authoritative sources and must strive for factual accuracy.
Article 18 (Victim Protection): Respecting the honor, privacy, and mental well-being of victims and their families is paramount.
Article 19 (Personal Information Disclosure): Care must be taken to avoid disclosing detailed personal information to protect privacy and dignity.

The way Chosun Ilbo handled the passenger list release raises significant concerns, leading to calls for greater accountability and responsibility in the treatment of sensitive information during crises.

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