A large number of casualties have occurred due to the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport in Jeonnam, while a fireworks festival on the Han River near Yeouido, Seoul, on the 29th, has sparked controversy.
Photos and videos of the fireworks show on the Han River were shared on social media platforms such as X, sparking criticism. The fireworks festival was deemed inappropriate amid the situation where 179 people perished in the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. Netizens reacted by saying, “It seems there is no sense of right or wrong,” “Is it really the time to set off fireworks during a major disaster?” “It's a national mourning period. Let’s live with some decorum, please,” and “While other events may be inevitable, shouldn't the fireworks be postponed? We're not forcing mourning, but isn't it right to at least show respect?”
The fireworks show was part of the '2024 Han River Festival,' specifically the 'Han River Hallyu Fireworks Cruise.' It was organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Han River Future Headquarters. The event was held with prior reservations (participation fee of 40,000 won for adults and 25,000 won for children) and was open to the general public. The Seoul city website describes it as an opportunity to send off the year’s regrets and expectations for the next year with spectacular fireworks. However, criticism was directed at the organizers for proceeding with the fireworks on the day of a tragic disaster. Seoul Metropolitan Government claimed that the event was organized by a private company, and the city had only granted permission.
As the controversy grew, Hyundai Marine & Leisure, the organizer, issued an apology under the name of CEO Kim Jin-man. The company stated on its official website, “Despite requests from the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Han River Future Headquarters to cancel, today's event should have been canceled,” adding, “It was before the national mourning period announcement and the situation was too sudden, resulting in poor judgment.” They further explained, “However, the fireworks on the cruise today were part of an event already contracted with a foreign group visiting Korea, and it was impossible to unilaterally cancel on the day. About 200 participants were confirmed, including a multicultural children's invitation event and an end-of-year social service group invitation event.”
They also stated, “It seems the harsh reality of the struggling tourism industry has made it difficult to distinguish between events that should not be held. We sincerely apologize and express our regret for proceeding with such an event during this solemn time and in the midst of a major disaster. It was indeed a wrong action.” Finally, they conveyed their condolences and apologies to the victims of the plane accident and their families.
Meanwhile, a report was received at around 9:03 a.m. that Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, met with an accident while attempting to land on the runway at Muan International Airport. The aircraft struck facilities around the runway, causing it to break in half and catch fire. The aircraft was a B737-800 model, carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members, totaling 181 people. The death toll stood at 179, with 2 survivors.
The government has designated the next seven days as a national mourning period. Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok stated at the third meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters held at the Government Complex Seoul, “We will declare Muan-gun as a special disaster zone and provide all necessary support.” “We will establish and operate an integrated support center on site to ensure unified support for the bereaved families.” He also emphasized the appointment of dedicated civil servants for each bereaved family and the speedy identification of victims' identities through forensic investigators at Muan Airport.