Flames rise from the wreckage of the Jeju Air passenger plane that crashed at the Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, about 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2024 (Yonhap)
MUAN, South Korea , Dec. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — A devastating accident involving Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 at Muan International Airport on December 29 has left a trail of grief as families and travelers returning from holiday trips faced a tragic end.
Among the 181 passengers onboard was an 80-year-old patriarch from Yeonggwang County, identified as the oldest victim. He was accompanied by nine family members, including relatives from different regions, who had traveled to Bangkok to celebrate his 80th birthday. Their joyous family gathering ended in tragedy upon their return to South Korea.
The ill-fated flight also carried three active civil servants and five retirees from Hwasun County, as well as sisters who were government employees in Mokpo. Many passengers had embarked on a 3-night, 5-day travel package, departing Muan for Bangkok on December 25, as part of Christmas and year-end celebrations with family and friends.
Distraught relatives gathered at Muan Airport, overwhelmed with grief. One family member tearfully shared, “They worked hard all their lives, and now, when they could finally afford to enjoy a trip, this happened.”
Local governments in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province have begun identifying victims from their respective regions and are coordinating support measures for affected families.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
