South Korea’s parliament has started an independent inquiry into the deadliest air disaster in the country. The probe follows the Jeju Air crash in December 2024 that killed 179 out of 181 people aboard. The plane, a Boeing 737-800, crash-landed at Muan International Airport after reporting a bird strike. It belly-landed but hit a concrete embankment and exploded. An 18-member parliamentary committee will investigate for 40 days, with possible extensions. They will examine if government agencies tried to hide or downplay evidence. The inquiry, passed by 245 votes to one, was launched after families of victims protested the cancellation of earlier government hearings. Families have accused the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (Araib) of a “self-investigation” since it reports to the transport ministry. This ministry also oversees airport safety and the concrete embankment that might have worsened the crash. The families said this was a “structural contradiction” violating international aviation standards. The committee will look into bird-strike management, possible faults in the aircraft, the concrete embankment, and any government cover-ups. They can summon officials from the transport ministry, Korea Airports Corporation, Jeju Air, and other agencies for questioning. Meanwhile, police are investigating current and former transport ministry officials. Araib had planned public hearings in December but postponed them after families called the hearings a cover-up. International rules require an interim report by 29 December if a final report cannot be issued. The investigation has been tense, with families objecting to what they see as secrecy and blaming of pilot error. Last July, families disrupted a press briefing after being told that pilot error caused the crash. In November, a re-examination of the wreckage was cancelled when families were refused permission to photograph. This crisis adds to wider distrust in South Korea over how major disasters are handled, echoing controversies from the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush and the 2014 Sewol ferry sinking.