Tragedy Strikes as Jeju Air Flight Accident Claims Lives, Stars Mourn Loss

The nation is engulfed in sorrow following the tragic accident involving a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan International Airport. Many in the entertainment industry have expressed their grief over the loss of friends and acquaintances in the incident.

Former baseball player Kim Byung-hyun revealed that he had a friend among the deceased. A member of the Kia Tigers organization was on board, traveling with his wife and three-year-old son on a trip to Thailand when the accident occurred. Kim shared his heartbreak, stating, "Someone's mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, or friend. My heart aches deeply. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families."

He reminisced about seeing joyful photos of his friend, known as K, enjoying time with his family in Thailand on Instagram, expressing regret for not being able to do more for him. "I hope you find happiness with your beloved wife and child in the afterlife," he added.

Caster Jung Woo-young also mourned a friend lost in the tragedy, recalling how well-respected the individual was within their company. He expressed his disappointment at the news, stating, "We were all hoping for a miracle, but the news of all passengers, except for the rescuers, being confirmed dead shattered our last hope."

Choi Chung-hyun joined in the mourning, expressing disbelief that such a good person could be lost. He wished for the deceased to find eternal happiness with their family in heaven.

Singer Hong Jin-young shared her sorrow, revealing that her dentist was among the passengers. "I had just seen him for an appointment days ago. He was a truly wonderful person. Rest in peace," she said.

Chef Ahn Yoo-sung, known for his appearance on Netflix's cooking show Black and White Chef: Culinary Class Warfare, also lost a friend in the accident. He visited Muan International Airport on December 30 to deliver 200 servings of kimbap to the families affected by the tragedy and provided tteokguk (rice cake soup) on January 1.

During a recent radio show, Ahn expressed his sadness over the loss of a colleague who had worked with him on the show, stating, "It’s just frustrating and heartbreaking."

KBS reported that among the victims were a journalist from their Gwangju bureau and a retired employee, amplifying their grief. The network issued a statement expressing deep condolences and support for the families of the victims, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the cause of the accident and providing necessary assistance to the bereaved.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the accident occurred on December 29 at 9:03 AM when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, attempted to land and collided with the runway's outer wall. Out of 181 passengers, 179 tragically lost their lives. The government has declared a national mourning period until January 4 at midnight.