Heartbreaking Loss: Five Colleagues Killed in South Korea Plane Crash

In a tragic incident that has left many in mourning, five female colleagues, who traveled to Bangkok to celebrate their promotions, were among the 179 individuals who lost their lives in a devastating plane crash in South Korea. The Jeju Air flight 7C2216 crashed shortly after takeoff from Muan International Airport, marking one of the deadliest air disasters in the nation’s history.

The office environment in Muan County, where the victims worked, has transformed into a somber space filled with grief and remembrance. Empty desks stand as poignant reminders of the lives lost, with a calendar still marked for time off after the Christmas holiday. Colleagues and friends gather to pay their respects, with a makeshift altar set up in the office where they can offer condolences.

Colleagues donned black ribbons in remembrance, tears filling their eyes as they reflected on the void left by their fallen friends. White chrysanthemums were placed on one of the victims' desks, and boxes filled with books and stationery awaited another victim who was poised to move to a new desk in the New Year.

"It doesn’t feel real," expressed Lee Dae-keun, an official at the Jeollanamdo Office of Education, who worked alongside one of the victims. "Her memory lingers. Each time I see the flowers on that empty desk, the sadness overwhelms me."

The group of friends had long anticipated this trip, sharing close bonds fostered over years of working together. Colleagues describe the deceased as hard-working and kind, always encouraging one another to maintain a positive outlook on life. In a display of solidarity, Lee Dae-keun, along with other co-workers, provided support to the grieving families at the airport, offering food and charging phones for those waiting anxiously for news.

One poignant moment came as Lee Kwi-sun, a school chef, fondly recalled her last encounter with one of the victims. "Our names were so similar; it was like we were lost siblings who finally met. We held hands and laughed as we said our goodbyes," she reflected, tears streaming down her face. "Every conversation we shared, both personal and professional, is etched in my heart, and this loss is just heartbreaking."

As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, the impact of the disaster resonates deeply, not only within the office but throughout Muan County. The heartbreaking toll of the crash serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

The names of the victims have been withheld at the request of their colleagues, who seek privacy during this difficult time.