The mourners shared their tragic story in an interview.
This article is part of our coverage of the fatal crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
While South Korea tries to investigate the tragic Jeju water the plane crash continues, an interview between We are the Herald and a grieving family member is breaking the hearts of the townspeople.
179 of 181 passengers and crew were confirmed dead in the Jeju plane crash
On January 2, 2025 (KST), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that mourners could claim 200 personal effects – such as passports, cellphones and luggage – whose owners had been identified. Soon, families formed a long queue to receive the remains of their loved ones whose DNA analysis had been completed. By 5pm, the remains of 30 victims had been returned to their families.
Among the mourners was “Mr. A” who lost his nephew and his nephew’s future wife. Mr A told the Biz Herald that the couple had traveled to Bangkok over Christmas ahead of their planned March 2025 wedding.
According to Mr A it was clear that his nephew had tried to save his girlfriend “holding her tightly in his arms” as the plane struggled to land and eventually crashed into a wall. As a result, the fiancée’s body was found relatively intact, while the nephew was only returned with his teeth.
Mr A said: “I am waiting for more remains to return before I hold a funeral for my nephew because I want to send him away as intact as possible.”
As soon as we have even a small trace of my nephew, we plan to organize a joint funeral with his future wife.
-Mr. A
When the story of Mr. A’s nephew made headlines, Koreans cried with Mr. A, inspired by their nephew’s act of true love and courage, and wished the couple eternal happiness.
- “The collision and explosion happened in less than a second, yet the husband was able to hug his wife and protect her in that moment… He truly loved her. I hope they get married in heaven.”
- “He must have been so scared too, yet he had the courage to protect the person he loved. I have deep respect for his courage. Learning about this heartbreaking event makes my chest feel even heavier. To the grieving families affected by this tragedy, I offer my deepest condolences. I pray that the deceased may rest in peace and I sincerely hope that the two of them can enjoy peace and happiness together in that place.”
- “I now understand why some of the bereaved families, whose loved one returned relatively intact, apologized to the other families. It’s heartbreaking to think that these ordinary, happy people are taken away in an instant, struck by an unimaginable tragedy. They never got to see 2025, it’s so painful.
- “Even though I’m not a family member, this is truly heartbreaking. I hope they find peace in heaven.”
- “Even in their final moments… I hope the two of them find happiness in heaven.”
- “I wish reincarnation was real. May they realize their unfinished love as a married couple in the next life.”
More information on the Jeju Air plane crash:
Colleagues reveal details about Jeju airline pilot involved in tragic crash
