Nation Mourns After Tragic Jeju Airplane Accident

Just two days after the devastating Jeju Air plane crash that claimed the lives of 179 people, the nation is engulfed in shock and sorrow. The entertainment industry is also feeling the impact, with various shows and award ceremonies being canceled or postponed in observance of the national mourning period.

The tragic incident occurred on December 29, when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at Muan International Airport but veered off the runway and collided with an external wall. Only two crew members survived the crash. In response, the government declared a week of national mourning from December 29 to January 4.

In solidarity with the victims, major broadcasting networks have suspended entertainment programming. On the day of the tragedy, the three main terrestrial broadcasters and comprehensive channels shifted to special news coverage, leading to the cancellation of various entertainment shows. Notably, MBC canceled the '2024 MBC Entertainment Awards' scheduled for the same day, and KBS and SBS also announced the cancellation of their respective year-end award shows.

Radio broadcasts have also reflected the somber mood. On KBS Cool FM's 'Park Myung-soo's Radio Show,' host Park Myung-soo expressed his heavy heart, stating, "We are all feeling the weight of this tragic news. I extend my deepest condolences to all the deceased. It is a time when we need to comfort each other."

Similarly, on MBC FM4U's 'Two O'Clock Date with Ahn Young-mi,' the host struggled to hold back tears while discussing the importance of expressing love and gratitude to those around us. A listener shared a poignant moment about their child wanting to eat kimbap, which reminded them of a victim born in 2021, prompting Ahn to express her heartbreak over the news.

Tei, on his show 'Good Morning FM Tei,' opened with a heavy heart, stating, "It is a difficult morning. We mourn the loss of 179 lives in this tragic accident. My thoughts are with the grieving families."

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, concerns are rising about the potential for collective trauma, especially following the Itaewon crowd crush that occurred just two years prior. The psychological impact of such events can lead to PTSD, highlighting the need for awareness and support for those affected.