World Leaders Mourn Jeju Air Disaster... "We Stand with the Korean People"

World leaders expressed their condolences regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do.

On the 29th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement saying, "(First Lady) Jill and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life caused by the Jeju Air accident in Muan."

On the 29th, a Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 passengers collided with the outer wall of the runway while landing at Muan International Airport, causing a fire that resulted in a major disaster with most passengers dead. The forensic investigation team is searching for casualties outside the runway at Muan International Airport, Jeonnam. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

President Biden said, "As close allies, the American people share a deep bond of friendship with the Korean people. We pray for those affected by this tragedy," adding, "The United States stands ready to provide all necessary support."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union (EU) Commission, expressed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "My heart aches after seeing images of the plane crash," and extended "the deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all of the Republic of Korea. As your partner, Europe stands with you during this time of sorrow."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X, "I have heard the terrible news of many deaths caused by the plane crash in Korea," and offered "condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on X, "The accident at the airport in Muan-gun, Republic of Korea, has taken many lives," calling "the loss of life an immeasurable tragedy." He continued, "On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I sincerely offer condolences to the families of the victims, the Korean people, and Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Economy Choi Sang-mok. We share in your grief and stand with the Korean people during this sorrowful time."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer retweeted a post by Foreign Secretary David Lammy on X, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the plane crash in Korea. I send my heartfelt condolences to the people of Korea and Thailand and to all who have lost loved ones." He also expressed "the deepest sympathy" and "saluted the efforts of emergency responders, sending thoughts to the people of Korea and Thailand during this terrible time."

Among the victims were two Thai nationals. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed deep condolences to the victims' families on X and reportedly instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide immediate assistance, according to the Associated Press.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a condolence telegram to Acting President Choi Sang-mok regarding the Korean passenger plane accident on the 29th, reported state-run China Central Television (CCTV). President Xi stated, "On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, I express my deepest condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to their families, wishing the injured a speedy recovery."

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives in your country," and added, "On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I offer heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured."