World leaders mourn tragic plane crash

World leaders have expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences following a devastating plane crash in Korea that claimed 179 lives, including two Thai nationals.

“Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident in Muan, Republic of Korea,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement released Sunday, referring to South Korea by its official name.

“As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.”

US investigators, led by the National Transportation Safety Board, will assist Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board in their probe into the Dec. 29 Jeju Air accident at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province.

The investigative team includes NTSB representatives, Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration.

A Jeju Air jetliner carrying 175 passengers and six crew members crash-landed at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning. Only two were rescued.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply saddened," extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expressing hopes for a swift and full recovery for those injured in this tragic event.

Guterres also expressed “his solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Korea during this difficult time,” in a statement issued Sunday by Florencia Soto Nino, associate spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

On the same day, Pope Francis addressed worshipers at the Vatican, expressing his heartfelt solidarity with the grieving families in Korea affected by the devastating plane crash. Concluding the Angelus prayer, he offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and for the recovery of the survivors.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families and offered prayers for the swift recovery of those injured, speaking on behalf of the Japanese government and the people of Japan.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many precious lives in Korea due to this heartbreaking plane accident," he said in a Korean-language message.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a message of condolences to South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok following the plane crash that morning.

“He, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, extends deep condolences to the victims, offers sincere sympathies to their families, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," according to the message delivered by the Chinese Embassy in Seoul.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered condolences to the victims' families and Korea, stating, “Europe stands with you in this time of grief.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed “heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved and Korea, adding, “We share your sorrow and stand with the Korean people.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla said they were "profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident," keeping the victims’ families in their prayers.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz extended condolences and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described the crash as “yet another blow to the nation's heart” during a challenging period for South Korea.

“This is an incredible loss and pain for the friends and families of those killed,” Steinmeier said.

In a letter shared with The Korea Herald, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his sorrow addressed to South Korea's acting president.

“In these difficult and tragic times, I extend my deepest condolences to the friendly people of Korea on behalf of the multinational people of Uzbekistan and myself. We wish patience and strength to the families and loved ones of the victims and a swift recovery to the injured,” read the letter.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep sadness, emphasizing solidarity with both South Korea and Thailand, which also mourned victims of the disaster.

“At a time when so many of us are gathered with family and friends, reflecting on the year and treasuring our loved ones, this devastating loss serves as a stark reminder of how precious and fragile life is,” Ibrahim said.

Kenyan President William Ruto, sharing his grief on social platform X, said, “We are devastated by the Jeju Air accident that has claimed more than 170 lives. Our thoughts are with the victims' families and the people of South Korea at this sorrowful time.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed his sorrow, stating, “Israel stands in solidarity with South Korea during this difficult hour,” while offering condolences to the victims' families.

India's Foreign Minister expressed deep sorrow over the airplane crash at Muan International Airport, tagging South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on X.

“Our thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea at this difficult time,” wrote Jaishankar.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement offering “sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and to the government and people of the Republic of Korea following the passenger plane crash at Muan International Airport.”

Spain’s Foreign Ministry expressed being “profoundly shocked by the terrible accident” and extended “all our solidarity” to those affected.

In a statement shared also with The Korea Herald, the Egyptian embassy in Seoul expressed sincere condolences, saying “Egypt affirms its full solidarity with the Republic of Korea, its government, and its people.

Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi, who also serves as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Seoul, said that the deadly airplane crash causing the disastrous loss of 179 lives is a deep sadness.

"In this moment of grief, sorrow and national mourning, as Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea, standing in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy, and wishing prompt recovery to those rescued," Rachadi told The Korea Herald.

Tunisian Ambassador to Korea Kais Darragi offered heartfelt condolences and sympathy.

“Korea is not alone in this moment of grief. Tunisia shares the sorrow and stands with the Korean people in this time of mourning,” Darragi said in a press statement shared with The Korea Herald on Monday.

Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on Monday said, “Our hearts are torn apart by the loss of so many precious lives, including those of the two Thai nationals who had been onboard."

The Foreign Ministry in Seoul added that it is "collaborating closely with the Thai Embassy in Korea and the Korean Embassy in Thailand to provide support for the families of foreign victims."