Closure of All SNS Accounts Including Instagram and YouTube
Jeju Air States "Content Too Light, Currently Inappropriate"
AK Holdings and Chairman Jang Young-shin Issue Public Apology
Following the crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane at Jeonnam Muan International Airport, which resulted in the deaths of most passengers, Jeju Air officially shut down its social media service (SNS) accounts on the same day. This move has sparked a wave of criticism online, accusing the airline of irresponsible handling. As of 5:30 PM on the 29th, Jeju Air's official Instagram and YouTube accounts are inaccessible. Attempting to access Jeju Air's YouTube channel displays a message stating, "This channel is unavailable."
Kim I-bae, CEO of Jeju Air, and other executives are apologizing to the bereaved families on the 29th at Muan International Airport in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
The Instagram account is similarly unsearchable. However, Jeju Air's overseas branch accounts in Taiwan, Japan, and other locations remain active. Jeju Air's official online homepage has also changed from its original orange color to black, symbolizing mourning. Except for accident-related notices and inquiry numbers, all other functions such as ticket issuance have been disabled.
A Jeju Air representative explained, "Since our SNS channels mainly post fun and light travel-related content, we judged that operating them under the current circumstances is inappropriate. We have suspended operations to focus on accident response." They added, "We are making efforts to deliver accurate information and communicate through press briefings and press releases."
The official online homepage of Jeju Air has also been changed from its original symbolic color orange to black, which carries a meaning of mourning. Except for accident-related notices and inquiry numbers, all other functions such as ticket issuance have been closed. Jeju Air homepage
Regarding Jeju Air's response, some criticize the airline for shutting down communication channels irresponsibly to avoid backlash. Netizens commented, "What is the point of deleting accounts in this situation?", "Did they run away? The response is disappointing," and "Is this a temporary measure to avoid criticism?" On the other hand, some netizens expressed understanding, saying, "It's not necessarily right, but I can understand. Comments could cause more confusion," "Closing SNS and focusing on accident response is the right thing to do," "I think blocking accounts is better than having employees unfairly criticized," and "Even if SNS were open, it would only have negative comments."
Meanwhile, AK Group, the parent company of Jeju Air, issued a public apology regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane accident at Jeonnam Muan Airport and pledged to make every effort for swift accident response and necessary measures. On the 30th, AK Holdings, the holding company of AK Group, released a public apology signed by Chairman Jang Young-shin and executives, stating, "We express our deepest condolences and mourning for those who lost their lives in this accident, and sincerely apologize to the bereaved families." They also said, "We apologize to the citizens who are sharing in the shock and pain." Furthermore, they emphasized, "We will spare no effort at both Jeju Air and group levels to swiftly handle the accident and ensure necessary measures are taken," and "We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and do our utmost to implement appropriate measures."
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