On the morning of December 30, starting at 11:00, a joint memorial altar was set up at Muan Sports Park in Jeollanam-do for the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash. The site saw not only the families and relatives of the victims but also many citizens paying their respects.
Park Hye-jin (28, female) visited the memorial with her 3-year-old son, Lee Ra-on. Park said: “The youngest victim was the same age as my oldest son and I was heartbroken to hear the news. I have lived in Muan for 20 years and it is hard to believe that something like this happened so close to home. When I explained the situation to my son, he wanted to take his toy to give to his friend in heaven. It’s one of his favorite toys.”
Her son, clasping his mother’s hand with one hand and holding a little red car with the other, bowed solemnly at the altar next to his mother.
The memorial was characterized by a calm and respectful atmosphere. Visitors followed the guidance of on-site staff, signing the guest book and offering flowers and incense to express their condolences. Many bowed their heads and wiped away their tears.
Jung (47), a resident of the Muan area, shared their disbelief: “I couldn’t believe the news when I saw the article yesterday. Since then, I have felt compelled to come. Yesterday, however, I did not visit the airport because I thought everyone would be busy recovering the remains and identifying the victims. Seeing the name plaques here in person makes it even more heartbreaking.”
Some families visited the places with their children to instill a sense of empathy and awareness. Park (40, female) visited with her husband and their 6- and 8-year-old children. He said: “We were headed to Jindo, Jeollanam-do, for a New Year’s Eve trip, but could not continue the trip after a similar tragedy occurred nearby. We stopped here to pay our respects. I hope my children learn to empathize and care about social issues like this in the future.”
Meanwhile, political leaders also visited the memorial. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, People Power Party leader Kwon Seong-dong and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung were among those who came to express their condolences. In addition to Muan, joint memorial altars were erected at Jeollanam-do Provincial Office, Jeollabuk-do Provincial Office and Gwangju’s May 18th Democracy Square.
