After the obituary of Director A, a dentist in Heukseok-dong, Gwangju, was announced, fellow doctors stepped forward to provide free treatment. Screenshot from an online community

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Among the 179 victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport, it has been confirmed that a dentist from Gwangju was included. This dentist was known for his kindness to the local community, serving as a role model not only for residents but also among fellow dentists. Some dentists have announced that they will honor him by offering 'free treatment' to his patients.

According to Yonhap News, the Gwangju Dental Association announced on the 1st that they would begin offering 'free treatment' in memory of Dentist A, a victim of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. The recipients of the free treatment are patients who regularly visited Dentist A's clinic.

The association reported that dentists who graduated from the same university or have ties to the deceased have decided to help his orthodontic patients complete their treatment without additional charges. It was also reported that some dentists who did not personally know the deceased are honoring his dedication through donations and other means.

On the 30th, a mourning flag was hung at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, to mourn the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Previously, Dentist A's clinic posted a notice stating, "Clinic closed due to bereavement from the passenger plane accident" after his passing. As this notice spread on social media, messages of condolence poured in online. Some dentists extended their support, saying, "We will sincerely treat patients who used to visit this clinic."

Meanwhile, Dentist A operated a dental clinic in Heukseok-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, and died in the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport on the 29th of last month.

The Gwangju Bar Association has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Jeju Air Passenger Plane Accident Family Association to provide legal services. On the 1st, the Gwangju Bar Association announced that over 80 local lawyers have formed a legal support team, continuing discussions on body recovery, funeral procedures, investigation of the cause, and compensation.

On the 29th, at the departure hall of Muan International Airport in Jeonnam, families of the victims were waiting after a Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 passengers collided with the outer wall of the runway during landing, causing a fire and resulting in a major disaster with most passengers dead. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

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From this day, the legal support team has been providing free legal assistance to the bereaved families regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. Specifically, they are advising and supporting the family association's affairs, and have set up a consultation booth on the second floor of the Muan Airport terminal to offer legal counseling to the families.

The legal support team has stated that as long as even one bereaved family member remains at the airport seeking legal advice, the on-site booth will continue to operate. For families who have left the Muan Airport site, members of the legal support team are offering both phone and in-person consultations in Gwangju, Mokpo, Suncheon, and other locations.

Furthermore, as hate speech against bereaved families and false or distorted reports about the disaster are spreading on social media and portal sites, raising the risk of secondary harm, a separate response team has been formed to collect evidence of such cases and prepare for active legal action, including future lawsuits and complaints.

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Chef Ahn Yoosung, who appeared on the Netflix variety show "Black & White Chef: Culinary Class War," shared an update on his efforts to help the bereaved families at Muan International Airport, where the Jeju Air disaster occurred. On the 1st, Chef Ahn visited Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province and served abalone porridge, instead of rice cake soup, to the bereaved families of the Jeju Air disaster.

In an interview with SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show" that day, he said, "Rice cake soup on New Year's Day is meaningful, but the bereaved families are exhausted and struggling," adding, "Since it's difficult for them to even swallow food, I prepared abalone porridge to help them regain some strength."

Most of the victims of this disaster were residents of Gwangju, South Jeolla, and North Jeolla, so Chef Ahn was also deeply affected. A native of Gwangju and Korea's 16th Master Chef, Chef Ahn learned Japanese cuisine at a famous restaurant in Seoul before returning to his hometown to open his own restaurant. He has operated a restaurant in Seo-gu, Gwangju for many years and is known to have direct or indirect connections with the victims of the disaster.

Amid the tragedy of the Jeju Air passenger plane crash that resulted in 179 deaths, local residents visited the joint memorial altar set up near Muan Sports Park by Muan International Airport in Jeonnam on the 30th to pay their respects to the victims. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

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He said, "Some were my customers, and there was also a PD I worked with on a show," adding, "With just one degree of separation, everyone in this region is connected, so it is incredibly heartbreaking and tragic."

Earlier, on the day after the disaster, Chef Ahn prepared 200 servings of gimbap and brought them to the airport. Meanwhile, not only Chef Ahn but also other chefs who appeared on 'Black & White Chef' are joining efforts to help the bereaved families. Chef Ahn added, "After hearing about our food service, many chefs, including Chef Choi Jihyung, Chef Bang Gisoo, and Chef Lim Heewon, are coming down to help without hesitation."

On the 30th, monks of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism visited the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane accident, set up at Muan Sports Park.
Photo by Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

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Religious communities are continuing their support and activities to comfort the souls of the victims and embrace the wounds of the bereaved families.

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism installed a joint memorial tablet for the victims at the main hall of Jogyesa Temple in Jongno, Seoul, on the 30th of last month, allowing visitors to pay their respects. The order's leadership, including Chief Executive Jinwoo, visited the joint incense altar at Muan Sports Park in South Jeolla to pray for the victims' peaceful passing. The Jogye Order has also set up incense altars at 24 main temples nationwide, including Jogyesa, and will operate them until January 4, the end of the national mourning period.

On site, the Jogye Order Social Welfare Foundation has dispatched a volunteer team to provide refreshments and comfort activities for the bereaved families. Welfare institutions under the order, such as Songgwang Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, are also participating in practical support, extending a helping hand of compassion.

The National Council of Churches in Korea and the Korea Christian Volunteer Corps have been supporting the bereaved families at the airport and joint incense altar. In particular, a volunteer corps of 40 pastors from the Muan area has been providing food, beverages, and daily necessities to comfort the families from early morning.

The Korea Christian Federation Volunteer Group has set up an emergency relief camp at Muan Airport. The volunteer group, consisting of about 30 churches in the Muan area, is providing ready-to-eat meals and daily necessities to the bereaved families and volunteers.
[Photo by Korea Christian Federation Volunteer Group]

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Lee Younghoon Senior Pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church visited the joint incense altar in front of Seoul City Hall and said, "We pray for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and for a swift recovery." The church also dedicated special prayer time during the New Year's Eve service, promising continued support.

Chung Soontaek Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul stated, "I express my deepest condolences to all those who lost their lives in the Muan Airport plane crash," and added, "I earnestly pray that God will embrace their souls and grant comfort and strength to the families left behind." Lee Yonghoon, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, said, "No words can comfort the shock and sorrow of the bereaved families," urging all believers to pray especially for them. The Catholic Church is also offering Masses for the repose of the victims' souls along with on-site support.

The Anglican Church of Korea has designated the mourning period until the 5th of next month, and Presiding Bishop Park Dongshin emphasized, "A thorough investigation into the tragic accident is necessary."

Na Sangho Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism expressed condolences on the 29th of last month through a message mourning the Jeju Air disaster, saying, "I sincerely pray for the liberation and peaceful passage of the victims, and deeply mourn the pain of the bereaved families who have suffered a sudden and devastating tragedy," adding, "Won Buddhism will do its utmost to help the victims and their families find peace of mind day by day and escape from their extreme suffering."