In brief
Oh Jaejin shares the heartbreak of losing his father, en route to witness the joy of becoming a grandfather.
The grief enveloping families at Muan International Airport reflects the emotional toll of the recent Jeju Air crash, leaving numerous victims in its wake.Oh Jaejin had been filled with excitement as he awaited the arrival of his first child, only to receive the devastating news of his father's death in a tragic plane crash. On December 31, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 departed from Bangkok, aiming for southwestern South Korea, when it crash-landed at Muan International Airport, resulting in the most significant aviation disaster in years. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of Oh’s father, 64, along with 178 other passengers.At the airport, scenes of anguish unfolded as hundreds of relatives hurried to await news regarding loved ones. Many were faced with the painful task of identifying bodies at a temporary morgue established near the hangar, as the recovery effort continued. As of Tuesday morning, authorities had identified 170 bodies; however, only four were returned to grieving families. The two survivors of the crash, flight crew members, have been hospitalized in Seoul.The extent of the calamity resonated within the community as families stood united in grief, remembering their beloved ones—a mix of young children, elderly individuals, and whole families onboard. A makeshift memorial altar began taking shape at the airport for visitors to pay their respects. The sorrow within Muan County revealed the emotional scars left by this heartbreaking incident, serving as a reminder of the precious lives that were lost.
