North Korean Links and Shamans? Unverified Conspiracy Theories Fueling the Jeju Air Crash Controversy

Following Sunday’s accident involving a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan Airport in South Korea, unverified conspiracy theories have spread, causing public controversy.

According to Yonhap News, certain social media platforms and online communities linked the accident to North Korea, circulating what is being referred to as the “817 conspiracy theory.” However, these claims remain unsubstantiated.

Some netizens who spread the conspiracy theory claimed that the number “817” appeared briefly, for about one second, on a broadcast reporting the accident. They speculated that it could be related to North Korea’s “817 directive,” a supposed policy for operations against South Korea. This baseless connection to North Korea has drawn criticism.

Additionally, other conspiracy theories emerged among netizens, including claims such as: “The Jeju Air flight frequently landed at Cheongju and Daegu airports, where black agents carrying out insurrection orders attempted explosions and unrest” and “The influence of shamans and their fanatical followers dominating the country could explain the sudden aircraft accident.” These theories further fueled controversy.

In response, experts stressed the critical importance of verifying information from credible sources in such disaster situations.

Hwang Yong Seok, a professor of Media Communication at Konkuk University, told Yonhap News, “Conspiracy theories always emerge in disaster situations, but it is crucial to rely on credible information. Consuming information from trustworthy sources is essential.”

According to the National Fire Agency, at approximately 9:03 a.m. on Sunday, a Jeju Air flight (7C2216) arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land on the runway at Muan Airport in South Jeolla Province when it crashed.

The Jeju Air passenger plane, carrying 181 passengers and crew members, collided with the outer wall of the runway, causing the aircraft to split in half and catch fire. As of 8:50 p.m., 177 passengers were confirmed dead, and two remain missing. Two survivors have been rescued.

The South Korean government has declared Muan County, where the Jeju Air accident occurred, a special disaster area.