Several K-pop singers have offered their condolences and halted scheduled activities in light of the recent Jeju Air plane crash in Muan, South Korea.
On December 29, a Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people on board crashed on landing at the Muan International Airport, leaving only two surviving crew members. The plane was first warned of a bird strike by the control tower during its initial landing attempt, according to officials.
Minutes after, the pilot issued a “mayday” warning before making a second attempt with a belly landing, with its landing gear still retracted. The plane skidded along the runway before colliding into a wall at the end and bursting into flames.
South Korea’s acting president Choi Sang-mok has since declared a seven-day-long national mourning period following the tragedy, set to be observed until January 5 midnight KST. In observance of the mourning period, the country’s entertainment industry has called off events and releases out of respect for the victims.
Several South Korean musicians and celebrities have taken to social media to offer their condolences to the families and loved ones of the disaster’s victims. “We express our deepest condolences to the victims and their families affected by the accident. May their souls rest in peace,” wrote SEVENTEEN leader S.Coups on Instagram on the night of December 29.
BLACKPINK member and soloist Lisa also announced a postponement of a live broadcast and offered her condolences. “I will have to delay this month’s live to a later date. Sending my deepest condolences to all the families that were affected by yesterday’s accident in Korea,” she wrote.
#LISA s update
sending our deepest and heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends of the Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 tragedy. pic.twitter.com/Z874UgP5HS
— BLACKPINK BLINK UNION (@BBU_BLACKPINK) December 30, 2024
K-pop group ENHYPEN, who had a concert in Fukuoka on December 29, also paid their respects during their shows. “My heart feels so heavy, but we will continue to do our best for everyone who came to see us today,” leader Jungwon told the crowd.
As South Korea mourns the tragedy, several releases, promotions and posts have been either cancelled or postponed. Numerous New Year’s festivities across the country have been cancelled, including annual award ceremonies, music festivals and concerts.
Groups such as BSS and IVE have temporarily suspended pre-scheduled promotional rollouts for upcoming releases, although it remains unclear whether the release dates for their albums will be affected.
LE SSERAFIM‘s Huh Yunjin also postponed the release of her upcoming single ‘Jellyfish’, previously set to be released today. Stray Kids have also put a pause on the release of a new track under the ‘SONG By’ project, with revised release dates for both yet to be announced. BTS will also pause the publishing of YouTube series Run Jin for the week, among other content.
Meanwhile, numerous official artist social media channels announced that they will not upload social media content for the duration of the mourning period. These include EXO’s Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen, THE BOYZ, PLAVE, VIVIZ, SHINee’s Taemin and more.
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