SEOUL: Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed deep sorrow over the deadly plane crash that occurred in Muan County, emphasizing the added burden on a nation already facing economic difficulties.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi made these statements while leading a disaster control meeting in Seoul. The tragic incident involved a Jeju Air plane carrying 181 passengers, which belly-landed and exploded, resulting in 179 fatalities and leaving only two survivors. Choi, who assumed temporary leadership duties last Friday following the suspension of Acting President Han Duck-soo, conveyed his heartfelt condolences during the meeting.
Choi, also serving as the deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister, stepped in after Han was impeached by the National Assembly. Han had assumed the acting presidency following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14 for declaring martial law.
During the meeting, Choi assured the public of the government's commitment to supporting the affected families and survivors. He vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and promised transparency in sharing the findings with the public and the victims' families.
The government has announced a week-long national mourning period, during which memorial altars will be established at the crash site and across 17 cities and provinces, including Seoul and Gwangju. Choi urged the public to pay their respects at these altars and extend their condolences to the bereaved families.
As acting president, Choi is overseeing the centralized disaster control efforts, a role typically managed by the prime minister, following protocols established after the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster.