On December 29, 2024, at approximately 9:03 AM, Jeju Air Flight 2216, departing from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed while landing at Muan International Airport. Out of the 181 passengers on board, 179 tragically lost their lives, and two survivors are currently receiving medical treatment.
This accident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea since the 1993 crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 733.
This heartbreaking incident has become even more devastating as members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are among the victims. It has been confirmed that at least four Adventist members, including a church elder’s family and students from Samyook School, were among those who lost their lives.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway, and the government has announced that Muan Airport’s runway will remain closed until January 1, 2025. Bereaved families are requesting the establishment of a memorial altar on the first floor of Muan Airport and are calling for thorough support and assistance in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy.
In response, the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), through a statement issued by Division President Kim YoHan expressed condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families, stating, “Our entire division’s members join together in heartfelt prayer, asking for the comfort of Heaven to be with all those who have lost beloved family members, friends, and colleagues in this tragedy and are now experiencing deep shock and sorrow.”
[Statement of Condolence]
The Northern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church expresses its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the victims and families affected by the tragic aviation accident that occurred at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024.
We unite our hearts in earnest prayer, asking for the comfort of Heaven to be with all who are grieving the loss of beloved family members, friends, and colleagues. May God’s peace and solace rest upon those experiencing deep shock and sorrow during this difficult time.
We are especially heartbroken and deeply grieved to hear that members of the Adventist Church, along with students from Sahmyook School and their families, were among those who lost their lives in this tragedy. We pray that the Lord will personally comfort the hearts of the bereaved families enduring this immense pain and sorrow. May the hope of resurrection and Christ’s second coming bring healing and consolation to their broken hearts.
In this challenging and sorrowful moment, we also lift prayers for all those involved in recovery and relief activities. May God grant them strength and guidance as they tirelessly address this tragedy.
We earnestly request the prayers of our church members across the Northern Asia-Pacific Division and the world:
- That God’s comfort and peace may rest upon the bereaved families and all those suffering from this accident.
- That the accident recovery process will proceed swiftly, the cause of the accident will be clearly identified, and steps will be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
- That God will safeguard and protect South Korea, which is facing significant challenges due to economic and political instability and this devastating aviation accident.
The Northern Asia-Pacific Division prays that all those enduring suffering during this difficult time may find comfort in God’s love and that their wounds may be healed through the hope of Heaven.
December 30, 2024
Kim YoHan, President
Northern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church