Former IZ*ONE Member Lee Chaeyeon Pays Tribute to Jeju Air Crash Victims

Lee Chaeyeon, a former member of the girl group IZ*ONE, has expressed her condolences for the victims of the recent Jeju Air plane crash. She recently updated her social media profile picture to a single white chrysanthemum against a black background, symbolizing her mourning for those lost in the tragedy.

On December 29, a Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do, encountered a serious accident while attempting to land. The aircraft veered off the runway and collided with a perimeter wall, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of 181 passengers on board. In response to the disaster, the government has declared a week-long national mourning period until January 4.

This is not the first time Lee Chaeyeon has voiced her opinions publicly. Recently, she addressed criticisms regarding celebrities expressing political views, particularly in light of President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of a state of emergency and the impeachment vote. She challenged the notion that entertainers should refrain from discussing politics, asking, "What position is deemed appropriate for discussing political matters?"

In her message to fans, she stated, "As citizens, we can speak up. It's our duty as entertainers to raise our voices. I appreciate your concerns. Let's strive for a better world where we can love freely."

However, her political stance has drawn backlash from some netizens, prompting her agency, WM Entertainment, to announce legal action against malicious comments. They emphasized that such actions are serious offenses that harm the artist's reputation and dignity, and they will take a firm stand against defamation and personal attacks.