Major international media outlets continued their follow-up coverage on June 29 regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, highlighting that the tragedy occurred amid an escalating political crisis in South Korea following President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law and the passage of an impeachment motion. World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, also expressed their condolences and sympathy.

Firefighters are conducting rescue operations at the site of an aircraft explosion accident that occurred on the afternoon of the 29th at Muan International Airport in Muan County, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News.

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The New York Times, which has been urgently delivering major updates since the accident, reported in its early morning article on June 30 (Korean time) that all 179 passengers except for two crew members were confirmed dead, calling it "the deadliest disaster experienced by a South Korean airline in decades and the worst aviation accident to occur in South Korea."

The outlet described the local atmosphere, stating, "Speculation is rampant about the cause of the crash, and Muan International Airport was filled with wailing and screams," adding, "Twelve bodies were so badly damaged that even their gender could not be immediately identified." It also noted, "This tragedy shocked South Korea, which is facing a political crisis with President Yoon's declaration of martial law and the passage of the impeachment motion," and emphasized, "It is even more shocking because there have been no deadly aviation accidents in South Korea since the 1990s."

Bloomberg also reported, "Only two crew members survived," and said, "It will be recorded as one of the deadliest accidents worldwide in the past decade." AFP noted the devastating impact of the crash, describing debris found in a field next to the runway and stating, "The youngest passenger was 3 years old, and the oldest was 78." It also mentioned that a seven-day national mourning period has been declared until July 4.

The Washington Post reported that a surviving crew member mentioned a bird strike, noting, "While relatively common and capable of causing significant damage to aircraft, it rarely leads to crashes," drawing attention to the cause of the disaster. France 25 also covered experts questioning whether a bird strike was indeed the cause. The Times and AP noted that Boeing, the manufacturer of the 737-800 involved in the accident, has suffered another blow to its credibility.

Choe Sangmok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Economy and Finance, is seen observing a moment of silence at the Jeju Air passenger plane accident site at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do on the afternoon of the 29th. Provided by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Yonhap News Agency

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The British daily The Guardian, in a separate analysis, described the tragedy as "a test of political unity amid a leadership crisis." The outlet identified the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster and the martial law situation as "the two events that will define the 2024 of a country previously praised for its economic and cultural power." It added, "Although the two events are unrelated, the instability at the highest levels of government reveals the potential risks for disaster response," emphasizing that national response is crucial amid extreme political division. CNN reported, "The tragic plane crash occurred as South Korea's political crisis deepened and national leadership remained uncertain."

Japanese media, including Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), also featured the accident prominently on the front page of their June 30 editions, giving significant coverage to South Korea's political turmoil and the suspected cause of the accident, a bird strike.

On the 30th, a joint memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane accident was set up at the Muan Comprehensive Sports Park in Muan County, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Joint Press Corps

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Condolences and messages of sympathy are pouring in from around the world. President Biden said in a statement, "I feel deep sorrow," adding, "As close allies, the American people share a deep bond of friendship with the people of South Korea. We are praying for those affected by this tragedy."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Seeing images of the plane crash broke my heart," and wrote, "I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all of South Korea." Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, said on X, "The accident at the airport in Muan County, South Korea, claimed many lives. Losing lives is an immeasurable tragedy," adding, "We stand with the people of South Korea in this time of sorrow."

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said, "I feel deep sorrow for the loss of so many precious lives," adding, "On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I offer heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families and wish a swift recovery to those injured." Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent a message of condolence to Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sangmok, according to state-run China Central Television (CCTV).

Pope Francis, after the Angelus prayer at a Mass in the Vatican, said, "I offer my condolences to the many families in South Korea mourning today’s tragic plane crash," and added, "Let us pray for the survivors and for those who have passed away."