Several K-pop idols have expressed their heartfelt condolences and temporarily halted their activities in response to the devastating Jeju Air crash on December 29, which claimed the lives of most passengers aboard the flight, leaving only two survivors.
The flight, carrying 181 people, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport after a bird strike warning was issued during the initial landing attempt. Following a “mayday” warning, the plane made a second attempt with its landing gear retracted, skidding off the runway before colliding into a wall and bursting into flames.
In light of the tragedy, South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, declared a seven-day national mourning period, which will last until January 5. The country’s entertainment industry has responded by cancelling events, promotions, and scheduled releases out of respect for the victims.
Prominent K-pop stars have shared messages of sympathy on social media. SEVENTEEN leader S.Coups expressed his condolences, writing on Instagram, “We express our deepest condolences to the victims and their families affected by the accident. May their souls rest in peace.”
BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who had planned a live broadcast, also postponed the event, stating, “Sending my deepest condolences to all the families that were affected by yesterday’s accident in Korea.”
ENHYPEN, performing in Fukuoka on December 29, also paid their respects, with leader Jungwon telling the crowd, “My heart feels so heavy, but we will continue to do our best for everyone who came to see us today.”
As the nation mourns, many entertainment events have been cancelled or postponed. Numerous K-pop groups, including BSS and IVE, have paused their promotional schedules, while LE SSERAFIM’s Huh Yunjin delayed the release of her new single Jellyfish. Stray Kids has also postponed a track release under the ‘SONG By’ project, and BTS announced a pause in their YouTube series Run Jin for the week.
Additionally, several artists, including EXO’s Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, THE BOYZ, and SHINee’s Taemin, have decided not to post on social media during the mourning period.
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