Online Hate Targets Victims of Jeju Air Crash
A tragic plane crash in South Korea last December has left families of the victims grappling with grief and facing a wave of online abuse. The Jeju Air flight, which crashed at Muan International Airport, claimed 179 lives out of 181 on board. In the aftermath, bereaved families have been subjected to derogatory comments and conspiracy theories, prompting police to take action against those spreading hate online.
Details of the Crash
The Jeju Air flight, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, crash-landed on December 29, 2022, before exploding upon impact with a concrete barrier. This devastating incident left Park Guen-woo, a 22-year-old, without both parents. As he began to mourn, he was met with a barrage of online vitriol, including accusations that families were “thrilled” to receive compensation or were “fake victims.” In response, police have identified and arrested eight individuals for making defamatory posts, and authorities have removed at least 427 such comments from various platforms.
This incident is not isolated; it reflects a troubling trend in South Korea where bereaved families often become targets of online harassment. Experts attribute this phenomenon to a culture of economic envy and toxic competitiveness, which fuels hate speech against those perceived to be receiving undue benefits from tragedies.
Historical Context of Online Abuse
The online harassment faced by families of the Jeju Air crash victims echoes similar incidents following other tragedies in South Korea. For instance, after the 2022 Halloween crowd crush in Seoul, victims’ families were also subjected to derogatory remarks. A father who lost his son in that incident had his image manipulated by hate groups, depicting him as insensitive for accepting compensation.
Similarly, families affected by the Sewol ferry disaster in 2014 have faced years of online abuse. The government compensation of approximately 420 million won ($292,840) per victim sparked resentment, with many believing that the bereaved were receiving excessive payouts. Sociologist Koo Jeong-woo notes that economic hardship and a competitive job market have exacerbated feelings of isolation and resentment, leading to a culture where individuals view others as adversaries rather than peers.
Impact of Political Dynamics
The political climate in South Korea has further complicated the situation for the families of the Jeju Air crash victims. The crash occurred during a time of political unrest, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial decision to enact martial law. Supporters of Yoon’s right-wing People Power Party have, without evidence, blamed the opposition Democratic Party for the crash, claiming it was a result of their political decisions regarding Muan Airport’s construction.
Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash, has faced accusations of being a “fake bereaved family member” and a supporter of the Democratic Party. The extent of these claims has prompted his daughter to speak out on social media, expressing her distress over the misinformation targeting her family. Park Han-shin expressed his disbelief at how some individuals seem to derive satisfaction from exploiting the pain of others, stating, “That’s simply not something a human being should do.”
Addressing Online Hate
Experts suggest that while there is no perfect solution to combat online hate, social media companies must implement clearer policies regarding hate speech and actively moderate content. Professor Koo emphasizes the importance of enabling users to report malicious posts easily and holding perpetrators accountable. Additionally, fostering a sense of shared identity among users may help mitigate feelings of division and promote empathy towards victims of tragedies.
Professor Joshua Uyheng highlights that reducing the perception of a zero-sum game can encourage individuals to view tragedies as collective concerns, deserving of compassion rather than condemnation. As the families of the Jeju Air crash victims continue to navigate their grief, the call for understanding and support remains urgent.
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