Waves of Condolence for Doctor Killed in Passenger Plane Disaster... Colleagues Say "We Will Help with Medical Care"

Director's Obituary Halts Dental Treatment
"Kind Care Without Over-Treatment... Wishing You a Peaceful Rest"
"Don't Hesitate to Visit," Colleagues Step Up

It was revealed that the director of a dental clinic in Gwangju, who was treating patients, died in the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. Online community

In the tragic incident involving a Jeju Air passenger plane at Jeonnam Muan International Airport, where 179 passengers lost their lives, the obituary of Dr. A, a dentist who operated a clinic in Gwangju Metropolitan City, was announced. Patients and their guardians expressed their condolences upon hearing the news, and fellow dentists united to assist with patient care.

On the 31st, an online community post titled "Those Who Will Continue Treatment on Behalf of the Dentist Who Passed Away in the Jeju Air Passenger Plane Accident" was uploaded. According to the post, SNS user A said, "I received news I did not want to hear," sharing the obituary of the dental clinic director they had visited for treatment and the suspension of the clinic’s services. A recalled, "Thank you for kindly treating our first and second children all this time," and added, "When we had a treatment on the 23rd, I was worried because my first child’s front tooth was slightly discolored, but you said, ‘It will be fine; just make it pretty when you meet your girlfriend,’ and laughed, saying we would see each other in three months." They continued, "You never over-treated and cared for the children, so the clinic was always busy. Thank you for everything," and added, "Our children are very saddened by the news. We hope you rest peacefully there. We sincerely pray for the deceased’s soul."

When it became known that a dental clinic director in Gwangju, who was treating patients, had died in the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, fellow dentists stepped forward to assist with patient care. Online community

In response, dentists who learned of the news extended their helping hands. B, who introduced themselves as a director of another dental clinic, wrote, "Together with Director C, we will sincerely treat those who were receiving care at the affected clinic. Although our skills are limited, we believe this is the best way we can help and will do our utmost," and urged, "Please do not hesitate to visit us. We sincerely pray for the deceased’s soul." Another user, D, who revealed they were responsible for the program used at the clinic, explained, "We are currently conducting data backup and transfer operations to the dental clinic that kindly offered remote real-time support." They added, "I received a call from the clinic this morning and feel heavy-hearted. I will do my best to assist until the end," and expressed gratitude, "We sincerely pray for the deceased’s soul and thank the dental director who is taking over the existing patients’ care."

Another representative director, E, who operates a different dental clinic, also joined the goodwill effort. E said, "First, I sincerely pray that the director has gone to a better place," and added, "I have never met the director personally nor had any personal relationship. However, knowing how devotedly the director lived for the patients and children, we will do our best to complete treatment for the orthodontic patients and those undergoing implants who were previously treated at that clinic." Furthermore, E stated, "Compared to the director, I may be lacking, but this is the only thing I can do, so I took the initiative to contact you first," and informed, "The dental clinic will provide guidance, but if anyone has not been contacted, please call to make an appointment and visit us."

The Dental Newspaper reported, "The Gwangju branch of the Dental Association will install a large banner at the branch office to commemorate Director A and the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane accident," and added, "The Korean Dental Association and the Seoul Dental Association also raised mourning flags at the Dental Association building and offered condolences to the victims and their families through announcements on their websites."

Netizens who read the story responded with comments such as, "Society is warm because of people like this," "My heart aches so much," and "I hope the director goes to a good place."