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. Authorities have noted that there were “no indications of intrusion or foul play” associated with his death.
According to Yonhap News Agency, it remains unclear whether Son had left a note or if he had been under investigation by authorities, including the police. Son Chang-wan’s tenure at the Korea Airports Corporation saw significant developments, including the renovation of the localizer at Muan International Airport in 2020.
The localizer, a critical component of the airport’s landing system, has recently come under scrutiny following a tragic accident in December last year. A Jeju Air B737-800 aircraft crashed at the airport, located approximately 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul, killing 179 people after skidding without its landing gear open. The installation of the localizer on a concrete structure has been blamed for exacerbating the severity of the casualties. The investigation into the accident and the role of the localizer continues to be a significant concern for aviation authorities.