Support for Passengers' Families Following Jeju Air Incident

In response to the tragic explosion involving a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do, local governments in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do have canceled New Year's Eve and New Year's Day events, declaring a period of mourning. On December 29, Gwangju City announced that the mourning period will last until January 4, 2025, leading to the cancellation of the New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony and the sunrise event at Mudeungsan Mountain scheduled for the following day.

Similarly, Haenam County has also canceled the 'Daejeong Haenam New Year's Festival' planned for December 31 and January 1, citing the nationwide atmosphere of mourning due to the aviation disaster. The county expressed its condolences to the victims and their families.

Jangheung County has canceled its New Year's sunrise event at Jeongnamjin Observatory, with plans to donate prepared food items like rice cake soup and kimchi to local welfare facilities. It has been reported that five residents from Jangheung were on board the ill-fated Jeju Air flight 7C2216, and the county plans to assist with memorial services and funeral arrangements.

In addition, the Gwangju-Jeonnam branch of the Korean Red Cross has set up a temporary booth on the first floor of Muan International Airport, providing over 500 bottles of water, 600 hot packs, and 200 blankets to the families of the passengers. Fifteen counselors have also been deployed to offer psychological support. Jeollanam-do has arranged separate dining and waiting areas for the families on the second and third floors of the airport's annex.

The incident occurred at 9:03 AM on December 29, when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, carrying 181 passengers, collided with the runway's outer wall during landing. Out of the 181 passengers, 177 have been confirmed dead, and two are still missing, with only two flight attendants rescued from the rear of the aircraft.