Korean Celebrities Reflect on New Year Amid National Mourning

As the New Year dawned, the nation mourned the tragic loss of 179 lives in the Jeju Air plane crash. Many citizens felt a sense of guilt even in extending New Year greetings during this period of national mourning. This sentiment was echoed by celebrities as well.

On January 1, Park Myung-soo hosted a live broadcast of KBS Cool FM's 'Park Myung-soo's Radio Show.' Unlike previous years, where he would have opened with enthusiasm, his tone was subdued and calm due to the ongoing national mourning. He reflected, "Today marks the 10th anniversary of our show, which began on January 1, 2015. While it's a personal milestone worth celebrating, we kept it low-key and expressed our gratitude to the staff who have worked hard."

The tragic incident occurred on December 29, 2024, when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do and crashed. All 179 passengers, except for two crew members who were rescued, lost their lives. The government has declared a national mourning period until January 4, leading to a halt in entertainment activities.

Park Myung-soo expressed his hopes for mutual encouragement during this difficult time, wishing for the swift recovery of those affected and emphasizing the importance of understanding the feelings of the bereaved families. "Everyone is watching, and we must be sensitive to their hearts," he stated.

Actress Park Bo-young also shared her thoughts on December 31 through a fan communication platform, saying, "I apologize for the late message. I found it hard to casually check in or share my daily life after hearing about the plane crash. The news has been overwhelmingly heartbreaking."

She continued, "2024 has been filled with sorrow and challenges, making it a winter to remember for its coldness. Despite the tough end to the year, let’s continue to do what we can and spend each day in our own ways of mourning."

On the same day, Park Ji-yoon conveyed her wishes for 2025, stating, "Despite the deep pain and sorrow, I hope for a little recovery and hope. May we all find moments to smile, step back, and embrace each other this year."

Broadcaster Kim Na-young shared her hopes for the New Year on January 1, wishing for more innocent laughter and fewer moments of helplessness, hoping that each morning would not be a struggle and that self-reflection would bring happiness.

Choi Hee also expressed her sentiments, saying, "It's the first day of 2025. Writing New Year greetings felt challenging this year, and I found myself rewriting my thoughts repeatedly. Although we cannot joyfully welcome the New Year, I pray that hope rises within us like new sprouts. Wishing everyone peace and happiness in the New Year. Thank you and love you all."

As 2025 begins, the entertainment industry remains quieter and more cautious than ever, following the unexpected emergency measures by President Yoon Suk-yeol and the tragic Jeju Air crash.