Global Leaders Mourn South Korea Plane Crash Tragedy, Extend Support and Condolences

World leaders express solidarity with South Korea following the devastating Jeju Air crash in Muan, pledging assistance and support to victims’ families.

Seoul [South Korea], December 30: Global leaders have expressed deep condolences and solidarity with South Korea following the tragic Jeju Air plane crash in Muan, which claimed over 170 lives.

In an official statement from the White House, US President Joe Biden expressed grief and assured unwavering support to South Korea during this difficult time.

“Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident in Muan, Republic of Korea. As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people, and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance,” the statement read.

International Leaders Share Grief

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru extended his sympathies on behalf of Japan, offering condolences to the victims’ families.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives due to the airplane accident that occurred in the ROK. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I wish to express my sincere condolences for the loss of life and send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. My thoughts go out to all those who were injured, and I sincerely hope they will make a swift recovery,” he stated.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed profound sorrow over the incident, extending India’s heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families.

Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong also shared messages of sympathy, offering their support to South Korea during this time of mourning.

The Tragic Incident

The South Korean authorities confirmed that 179 people were killed and two were rescued out of 181 passengers aboard the ill-fated flight, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The tragedy unfolded on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air passenger jet, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, belly-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport. The plane’s landing gear reportedly failed to deploy, causing it to skid off the runway, collide with a concrete barrier, and burst into flames.

Government Response and Support

South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok declared Muan County a special disaster zone and personally visited the crash site to oversee rescue operations.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a formal apology, taking full responsibility for the incident and extending condolences to the victims’ families.

“Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO,” Kim said, pledging financial assistance and full support for the surviving families through the airline’s USD 1 billion insurance plan.

As rescue operations continue and investigations unfold, the global community remains united in offering support to South Korea in overcoming this tragic disaster.