Lee Seong-bae, an MBC announcer, expressed his condolences regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane tragedy at Muan International Airport.
On the 29th, Lee Seong-bae posted on social media, "I just handed over the news special report on the 'Jeju Air passenger plane tragedy' to a junior anchor." He added, "I received a call asking me to rush to the anchor desk, and I started the special report with just a pen, continuing for about five hours."
Lee Seong-bae also stated, "The role of the anchor delivering the first report on the accident during the news special is clear. While the reporting journalists confirm the situation and produce articles, the studio anchor must convey the most critical information about the rescue efforts as calmly and factually as possible." He explained, "I suppressed my emotions to report the accident recovery process calmly, but I couldn't hold back my feelings when I saw the grieving family members during the special report," evoking sympathy.
Lee Seong-bae recalled the Sewol ferry sinking incident that occurred in 2014, saying, "I actually have a similar memory. Ten years ago, I reported the 'sinking of a passenger ferry off Jindo' as the first report. As soon as I finished my role as the MC for 'Live Morning,' I rushed to the news anchor desk. With just two pieces of information, 'a ferry from Incheon to Jeju is sinking' and 'high school students are on board,' I immediately started the special report. It was the so-called 'Sewol ferry tragedy' special report."
He continued, "After taking a break from broadcasting and experiencing various departments, I returned as an anchor, only to report another record tragedy, which weighs heavily on my heart. The time I reported the 'Sewol ferry tragedy' as a specialized news anchor is still vivid, and this 'Jeju Air tragedy' feels the same. The scenes of the accident this morning were incredibly horrific," adding, "After delivering such heavy news during a difficult time, my body is starting to ache. Perhaps it's because I delivered sad news at the end of the year, my heart also aches. This year has been filled with so many hardships."
Finally, Lee Seong-bae expressed, "Above all, I extend my condolences to the bereaved families," stating, "I sincerely wish for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace."
Meanwhile, on the morning of the 29th at 9:03 AM, Jeju Air flight C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members (a total of 181 people), crashed into an outer wall while making an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do, resulting in the aircraft being severely damaged and a fire breaking out. Fire authorities managed to rescue only two crew members from the tail section of the aircraft, who were urgently transported to the hospital. Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok announced that "the national mourning period will be set for seven days until January 4 at 24:00."
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
