[Aircraft Crash] "Rest in Peace There"... Mourners Line Up at Gwangju Joint Memorial Altar

Over 10,000 Visitors to May 18 Democracy Square in Three Days
Volunteer Activities Such as Distributing Hot Packs Continue

On the 2nd, mourners are lining up to pay their respects at the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster set up at the 5·18 Democracy Square in Donggu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki

"How can we possibly understand the pain of the bereaved families in such a heartbreaking tragedy?"

On the fifth day since the Jeju Air disaster, a joint memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane tragedy was set up at the May 18 Democracy Plaza in Dong-gu, Gwangju on the 2nd.

On this day, a long line of mourners formed at the memorial altar, including representatives from companies, organizations, families, and individuals. The mourners waited in lines of four to pay their respects, while staff at the altar handed each person a single chrysanthemum.

At the altar, mourners offered a brief silent tribute. Some were so overcome with emotion that their legs gave way and they had to sit down. After the moment of silence, they wrote messages of condolence in the guestbook, such as "Dear little ones, rest in peace. May you be well," and "Wishing peace for the deceased and their families."

On the 2nd, mourners are offering chrysanthemums at the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at the 5·18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki

After paying their respects, many mourners found their eyes welling with tears. Overcome with sorrow, they lingered at the site, wiping their tears with handkerchiefs as they gazed at the altar.

Cho Seola (43), a teacher at Munjeong Girls' High School, said, "When I first heard about the accident in the news, it broke my heart as a local resident. We also checked at school to see if any of our students were on board, and it didn't feel like someone else's tragedy." She continued, "I heard there were minor students from Gwangju and Jeonnam among the passengers. As a parent and a teacher, it was especially heartbreaking."

She added, "I brought my child to the altar to help them learn the importance of sharing grief and supporting each other as a community in the face of such a tragedy. I believe that clearly identifying the cause of the accident and continuing to remember and honor the victims is the best way to comfort the bereaved families."

On the 2nd, at the Jeju Air Passenger Plane Disaster Victims Joint Memorial Altar in 5·18 Democracy Square, Donggu, Gwangju, mourners who finished paying their respects are writing in the guestbook. Photo by Min Chanki

Nearby the altar, volunteers from organizations such as the Gwangju Saemaeul Association, Dong-gu Volunteer Center, and Gwangju Bank Regional Love Volunteer Group set up booths to distribute hot packs, water, and warm tea, continuing their acts of kindness.

Lee Jeongae (65), a volunteer at the Dong-gu Volunteer Center, said, "From the day after the tragedy, I went directly to Muan International Airport to ask the families what they needed and to look after their well-being. I want to be there to help whenever they need support. I will continue to stay at the altar throughout its operation to support the bereaved families and mourners in this cold weather."

Meanwhile, over 10,000 people visited the joint memorial altar at May 18 Democracy Plaza over the three days since it opened on the 30th of last month to pay tribute to the victims.