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New Year's events nationwide canceled after Jeju Air disaster

Published: 30 Dec. 2024, 12:52 Updated: 30 Dec. 2024, 19:08

A fireworks celebration takes place on Jan. 1, 2024 in Ulsan. [NEWS1]

New Year countdown celebrations and sunrise festivals are being canceled across the nation following the deadly crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla on Sunday.

Neighboring local governments, including Jeonju, Gwangju and South Jeolla, have canceled their celebratory events to express condolences for the crash victims.

"Please pay special attention to ensure there is no lack of support for the victims' families and to manage the situation," Jeonju Mayor Woo Beom-ki said.

"We apologize to the citizens looking forward to the events, but in consideration of the families grieving for a great loss, let us have a mourning period instead of the celebrations."

Firefighters and rescue personnel conduct a search operation at the site where a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla on Dec. 29. [YONHAP]

Other major cities and counties have also canceled celebrations.

Pohang, Gyeongju, Sejong, Cheonan, Buyeo County and Taean County announced on Monday that they had canceled events, including New Year's Eve celebrations, considering the declaration of national mourning.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government held an emergency meeting on Monday morning, where the cancellation or scaling-back of end-of-year events are being discussed, according to local media.

The capital districts of Dobong, Gwangjin, Mapo, Songpa, Yangcheon, Gangbuk and Seodaemun have canceled their events, including countdown concerts and sunrise festivals.

On Sunday morning, Jeju Air Flight 7C 2216, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 individuals including six crew members, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla after returning from Bangkok, Thailand. Emergency authorities reported that all but two of the 181 passengers and crew on board died.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared Muan County, South Jeolla, a special disaster area and declared a period of national mourning that will continue until Jan. 4.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [[email protected]]