Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea Claims 179 Lives

In a devastating aviation disaster, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air crashed while landing at Muan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 179 individuals. Investigators are exploring potential causes as South Korea grapples with the tragedy.

A tragic accident unfolded in South Korea when a Boeing 737-800 plane operated by Jeju Air crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024. The flight, which had departed from Bangkok with a total of 181 people on board, claimed the lives of 179 passengers and crew, making it one of the most catastrophic aviation incidents involving a South Korean airline in nearly 30 years.

Eyewitness footage captured the moment the plane, adorned in a white and orange livery, made a treacherous landing, skidding along the runway on its belly before colliding with a barrier and erupting into flames. Miraculously, two crew members managed to escape from the tail section of the aircraft.

Investigations into the crash have commenced, focusing on multiple possible contributing factors. Initial reports suggested a potential malfunction of the plane's landing gear, raising concerns about mechanical failure. Additionally, the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport revealed that the airport had informed pilots about the possibility of a bird strike during landing. Shortly after a mayday alert was issued from the aircraft, it crash-landed, prompting rescuers to recover the vital black boxes that are expected to provide insights into the disaster's cause.

This tragic event further complicates the political landscape in South Korea, as the crash represents a significant challenge for Choi Sang-mok, who recently assumed the role of acting president. He is now tasked with managing the nation's response to the crisis following the impeachment of his predecessor.