Seoul: A joint memorial for the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash will be held later this week, officials announced Wednesday, as efforts to retrieve the plane wreckage are nearing completion.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Han-kyung, the interior ministry's chief disaster management official, stated at a government response meeting that the joint memorial will take place on Saturday, honoring the wishes of the bereaved family members. Lee emphasized the government's commitment to listening to the families' voices and incorporating their opinions, while also ensuring transparency in disclosing the investigation results at each stage.

Lee further reported that the recovery efforts to retrieve the aircraft remains are expected to be completed by the end of the day. A comprehensive analysis is being conducted on the flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, control tower records, and video footage. As part of the investigation, the runway of Muan International Airport will remain temporarily closed until the on-site inspection is concluded.

The government is also planning to implement measures to enhance the concrete structures housing the navigation systems, known as localizers, which assist in aircraft landings. This initiative will cover seven local airports, including those in Gwangju and Yeosu, and is expected to be completed within the year.

The tragic incident involved a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 plane carrying 181 people, of which all but two perished when it crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29.