"Deeply Sympathize with the Sadness and Pain"
"Full Support from the Group Level"
Jang Young-shin, Chairwoman of the AK Group, the parent company of Jeju Air, expressed her apologies regarding the 7C2216 passenger plane accident that occurred at Muan International Airport.
On the 29th, Chairwoman Jang issued a public apology statement from the group concerning the Jeju Air passenger plane tragedy. She first stated, "I offer my heartfelt condolences and mourning to those who lost their lives in this accident, and sincerely apologize to the bereaved families." She continued, "I also apologize to the citizens who are sharing in the shock and pain," adding, "I deeply sympathize with the sorrow and suffering many are experiencing due to the loss of precious lives in this accident, and I accept full responsibility."
Kim E-bae, CEO of Jeju Air (left), and Choi Hyung-seok, Vice Chairman of Aekyung, visited the family waiting room on the 2nd floor of Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do on the 29th and bowed their heads in apology. Photo by Yonhap News
She further said, "We will spare no effort at both Jeju Air and the group level to swiftly manage the accident and ensure necessary measures are taken," emphasizing, "We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and do our utmost to implement appropriate actions." She also added, "We will actively cooperate with the investigations and support from the relevant authorities, listen carefully to the voices of the victims' families, and provide all necessary assistance. Once again, I deeply bow my head in apology to the deceased, their families, and the public." AK Holdings, the holding company of AK Group, is known to be the largest shareholder of Jeju Air, holding 50.37% of its shares.
Earlier, on the 29th at approximately 9:03 a.m., Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 attempted a belly landing on the runway at Muan Airport with the landing gear (aircraft wheels) not deployed. During the attempt, the fuselage collided with the outer wall. Subsequently, the aircraft was severely damaged and caught fire, with most of the fuselage engulfed in flames. The passenger plane was carrying a total of 181 people, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members. According to the Fire Agency's tally, 179 people were confirmed dead and 2 were rescued. As a result, the Jeju Air passenger plane tragedy became the deadliest aviation accident in South Korea. Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, declared Muan a special disaster zone and presided over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters at Muan County Office. Acting President Choi announced, "The government designates a national mourning period of seven days from today until 24:00 on January 4."
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