SEOUL: South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has expressed condolences to the victims of a catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport, which claimed the lives of 181 people, including two Thai nationals. In a statement on the social media platform X, Cho acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy and extended sympathies to the bereaved families.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Jeju Air flight, originating from Bangkok, attempted a belly landing at the airport located approximately 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul. The crash occurred after a suspected bird strike caused the plane to collide with the airport's outer wall. Tragically, the incident resulted in the loss of all passengers on board except for two flight attendants who survived the crash due to their location in the tail section of the aircraft.

In addition to the South Korean Foreign Minister, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also conveyed her condolences through the same social media platform. She assured that Thailand's foreign ministry is actively engaged in assisting the families affected by the tragedy. The crash has drawn international attention due to its devastating nature and the involvement of foreign nationals among the victims.