Hijacking and Forced Diversion
Approximately ten minutes after departure from Kangnung Airport, a passenger entered the cockpit of a South Korean passenger aircraft and compelled the pilots to change course toward North Korea. The aircraft then crossed the border between the two Koreas, where it was intercepted and escorted by three fighter jets. The crew was forced to land at Sondok Airport, located near Wonsan.
Landing and Damage
The landing at Sondok Airport was reportedly 'missed,' resulting in severe damage to the aircraft upon arrival. Despite the extent of the damage, none of the 52 occupants — including passengers and crew — sustained injuries. However, all individuals on board were immediately arrested and interned by North Korean authorities.
Aftermath and Release
Following negotiations between South Korea and North Korea, 39 passengers were released and returned to South Korea on 14 February 1970. The remaining individuals — consisting of all four crew members, nine passengers, and the hijacker — were not released. As of 2018, the South Korean government and the families of these 12 people reported having no information regarding their fate.
List of Unaccounted Individuals
The 12 individuals who were not released are:
- Yu Byeong-ha (유병하, 38), pilot
- Choe Seok-man (최석만, 37), copilot
- Jeong Gyeong-suk (정경숙, 24), stewardess
- Seong Gyeong-hui (성경희, 23), stewardess
- Yi Dong-gi (이동기, 49), Director of a printing house
- Hwang Won (황원, 32), Director of the Munhwa audiovisual company
- Gim Bongju (김봉주, 27), cameraman for Munhwa audiovisual company
- Chae Heon-deok (채헌덕, 37), doctor
- Im Cheol-su (임철수, 49), office employee
- Jang Ki-yeong (장기영, 40), businessman in the food industry
- Choe Jeong-ung (최정웅, 28), employee for Hankook Slate