(From left) Seo Jeong-il, president of the Korean Association of the Americas, Yoon Hee, president of the Korean Association of Asia, Ko Sang-gu, president of the World Federation of Korean Associations.
On December 29, a Jeju Air passenger plane, carrying 181 passengers, crashed into the outer wall of the runway while attempting to land at Muan International Airport after departing from Thailand. A fire broke out, resulting in 179 fatalities and 2 injuries in a major accident.
In response to this heartbreaking news, overseas Koreans have also been sending messages of condolence and sympathy.
On December 29, Seo Jeong-il, President of the Korean American Association, stated, “Upon hearing about the aviation accident at Muan Airport, the 2.7 million Korean Americans are deeply saddened and shocked. We express our deepest condolences to those who lost their precious family members and friends, and sincerely wish for the swift recovery of those injured.”
The Korean American Association added, “Although we are far away, we wish to share your pain. The 2.7 million Korean Americans, along with 7.1 million overseas Koreans, will share the sorrow with the citizens of Korea and work together to overcome this difficult time.”
Yoon Hee, President of the Korean Association in Asia, also expressed, “On behalf of 750,000 overseas Koreans in 22 countries, this accident at Muan Airport is a deep shock and tragedy not only to the citizens of Korea but also to overseas Koreans. We hope the cause of the accident will be thoroughly investigated, and that the families of the victims will receive adequate compensation.”
The Korean Association in Asia continued, “We sincerely hope the wounds of the people of Korea will be healed quickly, and that this will mark the beginning of a renewed hope.”
Ko Sang-gu, President of the World Korean Association, expressed his condolences through social media, saying, “It pains me even more that this tragic accident occurred just before the New Year, taking precious lives. We mourn the victims of the Muan Airport accident and extend our deepest sympathies and words of comfort to the families of the victims.”
Park Jong-beom, President of World OKTA (World Federation of Korean Trade Associations), the largest Korean economic organization, also issued a statement: “Upon hearing the heartbreaking news on December 29 about the tragic loss of many precious lives in the accident involving the Jeju Air flight, all World OKTA members around the world are deeply saddened and shocked. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.”
He continued, “This incident is not just an aviation accident; it has caused profound grief and a sense of caution among overseas Korean entrepreneurs working globally. Aviation is not only a vital link in business and communication but also an essential part of our lives. We emphasize the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of this accident, and fundamental measures must be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.”
Park Jong Beom President of World OKTA
Park Jong-beom, President of World OKTA (World Federation of Korean Trade Associations), the world’s largest Korean economic organization, issued a statement saying, “Upon hearing the heartbreaking news of the tragic loss of many precious lives in the unexpected accident involving the Jeju Air flight, which was traveling from Bangkok, Thailand to Muan, all World OKTA members around the world are deeply saddened and shocked. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the victims and extend our sincere sympathy to their families.”
He continued, “This accident is not just an aviation disaster; it has also brought profound grief and a sense of caution to overseas Korean businesspeople who are active globally. Aviation is not only a critical link in business and communication, but also an important part of our lives. We emphasize the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of this tragedy, and fundamental measures must be taken to prevent such an incident from happening again.”
Source: Dongpo News
