"I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families"
In the midst of a landing accident involving a Jeju Air aircraft at Jeonnam Muan International Airport, Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), who plays in the English Premier League (EPL), expressed his condolences.
On the 30th (Korean time), Hwang Hee-chan scored the opening goal just 7 minutes into the first half during the 2024-2025 EPL Round 19 away match against Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, UK. Scoring his second goal of the season and his second consecutive game goal, Hwang slid on his knees on the ground and shared his joy with his teammates who followed. Then, he pointed to the sky with his finger and stood still for a moment of silent prayer. This was a ceremony mourning the 179 victims who lost their lives in the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster.
After the match, Hwang Hee-chan also posted on his Instagram, saying, "I received the heartbreaking news just before the game. I sincerely offer my condolences and pray for the souls of those who suffered from this unfortunate accident." He added, "I also send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families." Netizens who saw the post responded with various comments such as "He is truly a national representative," "Rest in peace," "We all share the same heart," and "Expressing condolences to the victims."
Meanwhile, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which departed from Bangkok, Thailand, and was heading to Muan Airport, attempted to land on the runway of Muan Airport around 9:03 a.m. on the 29th without the landing gear (devices necessary for takeoff and landing such as airplane wheels) being deployed. The aircraft collided with airport facilities, and most of the plane was engulfed in flames. All 175 passengers, along with 2 pilots and 2 cabin crew members, totaling 179 people, died at the scene. So far, the identities of 140 victims have been confirmed, but it is expected to take time to identify some victims and deliver the bodies to their families. This accident remains the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea.
The government declared Muan County, the site of the disaster, a "special disaster area" and designated a seven-day national mourning period until January 4. Joint memorial altars will be set up at the accident site and in 17 cities and provinces including Jeonnam, Gwangju, Seoul, and Sejong. Furthermore, all ministries, local governments, and public institutions will fly flags at half-mast, and public officials will wear mourning ribbons.
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