By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

World leaders have sent their condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and the people of South Korea following the tragic crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the aircraft crash in South Korea. I send my heartfelt condolences to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and to all those who have lost loved ones,” he retweeted a post from Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose country lost two citizens in the crash, said in X that he offered his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and instructed his foreign ministry to provide immediate assistance, AP-Reuters reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a telegram of condolences to South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok on Dec. 29 regarding the South Korean airliner crash, state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

“On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, I express my deepest condolences to the victims, convey my heartfelt sympathies to their families, and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Xi wrote.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also sent a message of sympathy, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of so many noble lives in your country. On behalf of the Japanese government and the people of Japan, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted from X: “I was heartbroken to see the images of the plane crash,” she said, adding, “I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Republic of Korea. As your partner, Europe stands with you in this time of grief.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X: “I have heard the terrible news that a plane crash in South Korea has resulted in many deaths. I would like to express my condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also tweeted on X. “The crash at the airport in Mouan-gun, South Korea, has claimed many lives,” he said, adding that “the loss of life is an unfathomable tragedy.”

“On behalf of the people of Ukraine, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the people of the Republic of Korea, and Acting President Choi Sang-mok. We share their grief and stand with the people of South Korea in this time of sorrow,” he added.