Two South Korean nationals died following a paragliding accident off the coast of Tanah Barak Beach, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, last week, according to Indonesian authorities. The victims, identified as Seojin Han (43) and Jinah Hwang (41), were a married couple who had been visiting Bali as part of a paragliding tour with seven other South Korean citizens.
“They were licensed paragliding pilots and experienced professionals. Both had undergone medical examinations and were declared fit to fly before departing South Korea for Bali,” Sukadi said on Tuesday.
Sudden Wind Shift Leads to Emergency Landing Attempt
“All of them were flying solo, without instructors or tandem partners and they were using their own equipment brought directly from Korea,” Ketut said.
The incident occurred on the morning of July 17, around 11:30 AM, at the Panda Paragliding Site in South Kuta. According to Denpasar Police spokesperson Commissioner Ketut Sukadi, the group had been conducting regular paragliding flights since July 12 after arriving in Indonesia on July 11. Han, Hwang, and another group member identified as SK were the first three to take off that day.
Shortly after takeoff, wind conditions reportedly changed suddenly, weakening and causing turbulence. The shift in weather forced the trio to attempt emergency landings. While SK managed to land safely on the beach, Han and Hwang landed approximately four meters offshore.
“The two victims fell in the sea with a water level around the waist and a distance of about 4 meters from the shore. When they landed at sea, because of panic, the two victims could not release the coccoon harness so that the position of the two victims’ bodies was underwater,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Police Denpasar AKP I Ketut Sukadi, on Tuesday (22/7/2025).
Victims Trapped Underwater in Paragliding Harness
Commissioner Sukadi stated that both Han and Hwang landed face-down in the water and became entangled in their harness systems and parachute lines. Unable to free themselves, the two remained submerged for several minutes. Local residents and fellow paragliders at the site attempted a rescue and managed to reach the victims around 15 minutes after the landing.
The couple was transported to Surya Husada Hospital in Bali but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Ongoing Investigation into Safety Protocols
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether negligence contributed to the fatal incident. Investigators plan to question paragliding instructors, staff members at the Panda Paragliding Site, and other witnesses from the tour group.
Commissioner Sukadi confirmed that the investigation would focus on assessing safety procedures and operational standards at the site.
Victims’ Remains to Be Cremated in Bali
The families of the victims have declined an autopsy and have chosen to carry out cremation ceremonies in Bali. The victims’ ashes will be returned to South Korea.
The deceased couple were reported to be paragliding enthusiasts and had previously traveled to multiple countries to pursue their shared interest in the sport.
Authorities have not released any further findings, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
