Seoul: A former head of the state-run Korea Airports Corporation, who was in office during the renovation of the localizer at Muan International Airport, was found dead at his home, police said Tuesday. Police are currently investigating the cause of death of Son Chang-wan, who led the company from 2018 to 2022.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the localizer at Muan International Airport has been under scrutiny following a tragic accident in December last year. A Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft crashed at the airport, located some 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul, killing 179 people after skidding without its landing gear open. The localizer, which was installed on a concrete structure, has been blamed for worsening the severity of the casualties.
The renovation of the localizer at Muan Airport took place in 2020, during Son Chang-wan's tenure as head of the Korea Airports Corporation. This renovation has become a focal point in the investigation into both the crash and the circumstances surrounding Son's unexpected death. Authorities are working to determine if there is any connection between the two events.