SEOUL: Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed his sorrow on Monday over a devastating plane crash that has added to the challenges faced by a public already dealing with economic difficulties. The Jeju Air plane crash, which occurred in Muan, resulted in the deaths of 179 passengers, with only two survivors.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Acting President Choi made these remarks while presiding over a disaster control meeting in Seoul. The crash involved a Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people, which belly-landed and exploded at an airport in the country's southwestern county of Muan on Sunday morning. This incident marks the country's most severe aviation accident in years.

Choi, who has assumed the role of acting president following the suspension of Han Duck-soo's duties by the National Assembly, conveyed his condolences to the nation's citizens during the meeting. Han was impeached shortly after taking over from President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached for declaring martial law.

During the meeting, Choi emphasized the government's dedication to supporting the families of the victims and the survivors. He assured that a thorough investigation into the accident's cause would be conducted, with findings to be shared transparently with the families and the public.

Choi has also instructed the transport ministry to execute an emergency safety inspection of the entire airline operation system in the country. In response to the tragedy, the government has announced a seven-day national mourning period, with memorial altars to be set up at the crash site and in major cities.

Choi's leadership during this crisis is aligned with the centralized disaster control system established after the Sewol ferry disaster in 2014. The acting president urged the public to visit the memorial sites to pay their respects to the victims and offer condolences to the grieving families.