Deadly Plane Crash Strikes South Korea

A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024, involved a Jeju Air flight carrying 181 passengers, resulting in at least 124 confirmed deaths. The aircraft reportedly attempted to land without its wheels, leading to a catastrophic impact and subsequent fire. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korean history, occurring amidst a severe political crisis where the president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was recently stripped of powers, and his acting successor, Han Duck-soo, was impeached. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with emergency responders extracting two crew members and searching for additional victims. Political leaders from opposing parties have pledged to support rescue operations, indicating a momentary unity during this national tragedy. Investigations are underway, focusing on potential mechanical failures and environmental factors such as bird strikes that could have contributed to the crash.