Busan City Sets Up Memorial for Victims of Jeju Air Tragedy

Busan, South Korea – In response to the tragic Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives on December 29, Busan City has established a public memorial at City Hall to honor the victims. The crash, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea’s history, has led to a nationwide period of mourning.

Jeju Air Flight 2216, en route from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Muan International Airport, encountered mechanical failures, likely caused by a bird strike. The Boeing 737-800 attempted an emergency belly landing but overran the runway, colliding with a concrete barrier and catching fire. Of the 181 passengers and crew, only two survived, both suffering severe injuries.

Mayor Park Heong-joon directed the immediate establishment of a memorial to allow citizens to pay their respects. Located in the first-floor lobby of Busan City Hall, the memorial is open to the public from December 30 at 4:30 PM until January 4, 2025, operating daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Staff have been assigned to assist visitors, provide condolence books, and ensure a solemn atmosphere.

“The Jeju Air tragedy has left us deeply shocked and saddened. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand united in mourning as a community,” Mayor Park stated. A hotline has also been set up to provide support and updates for citizens coping with the disaster.

In light of the tragedy, Busan has canceled its annual "2025 New Year’s Bell Ringing Ceremony" at Yongdusan Park, which typically draws thousands of participants. This decision reflects the city’s solidarity with grieving families and its commitment to respect the national period of mourning.

Family members of the victims have begun arriving at Muan International Airport and nearby facilities to identify loved ones and receive updates from investigators. Some expressed frustration at the lack of immediate information but remain hopeful for a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

The two surviving crew members are receiving treatment at a hospital in Gwangju and remain under close medical supervision. Authorities are working with their families to provide necessary emotional and logistical support.

The crash has reignited concerns about aviation safety in South Korea. Experts have criticized the runway’s concrete end barrier, which exacerbated the crash’s impact, and have called for airports to adopt energy-absorbing barriers to reduce fatalities in similar incidents. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has also announced a nationwide inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The Jeju Air tragedy has elicited an outpouring of sympathy from leaders around the world, highlighting the global impact of the incident.

President Joe Biden of the United States expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Jill and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from the Jeju Air accident in Muan.” He emphasized the strong alliance between the United States and South Korea, offering support and affirming the United States' readiness to assist. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also joined the investigation, along with Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, described the crash as “heart-wrenching” and extended her deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and the South Korean people, affirming Europe’s solidarity during this time of grief.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his sadness, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a swift recovery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also extended heartfelt condolences, calling the incident an “immeasurable tragedy” and affirming Ukraine’s solidarity with South Korea during this difficult time.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer retweeted a message from Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who expressed condolences to South Korea and Thailand, mourning the loss of loved ones. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, noting that two Thai nationals were among the victims, directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide immediate support to their families.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to Acting President Choi Sang-mok, extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed similar sentiments, mourning the loss of precious lives and wishing for the injured to recover quickly.

The memorial at Busan City Hall offers a space for residents to reflect and heal, underscoring the city’s role in uniting the community during this time of profound grief. Across the nation, prayer vigils and remembrance ceremonies continue to provide solace, as South Korea honors those who lost their lives.

As the investigation progresses, the focus is shifting toward accountability and prevention. Families of the victims are demanding swift justice, and aviation authorities are pledging reforms to ensure that such tragedies never happen again. The Jeju Air tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety and solidarity in the face of unimaginable loss.