South Korea has declared a national mourning period lasting until January 4, 2025, in response to the tragic crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province on Sunday.
Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang Mok, who also serves as the Minister of Economy and Finance, announced the decision during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on Sunday. He confirmed that the mourning period will extend until January 4.
Choi stated, “We will set up joint mourning altars at Muan Airport and in 17 cities and provinces, including Jeollanam-do, Gwangju, Seoul, and Sejong, to express our condolences and mourn the victims.”
He also emphasized, “All government ministries, local governments, and public institutions will fly flags at half-mast, and public officials will wear mourning ribbons. Above all, the safety of our citizens will remain our top priority.”
The national mourning period is a formal way to honor the loss of individuals or respond to major tragedies that result in significant loss of life. Declaring such a period is a rare, important event in South Korea’s history.
This marks the country’s third national mourning period. Previous periods were declared after the sinking of the Cheonan naval ship in April 2010 and the Itaewon crowd disaster in October 2022.
Although South Korea has no specific legal framework or formal criteria for declaring a national mourning period, it is a deeply respected tradition. During these times, government officials and employees of public institutions are expected to dress simply and wear mourning ribbons. Social gatherings, including company dinners and other celebratory events, are typically prohibited.
The mourning period coincides with the year-end and New Year holidays, meaning many public celebrations and events, including traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations and sunrise ceremonies, will likely be scaled back or canceled. This includes conventional events like New Year’s Eve celebrations and sunrise ceremonies.
Local festivals, sporting events, and cultural performances were canceled or postponed in previous national mourning periods.
Broadcast stations may also cancel entertainment programming and some TV shows to maintain the somber atmosphere. However, these actions are not mandatory.
The national flag and military flags will be flown at half-mast during the national mourning period. Government officials and public institution employees must also refrain from taking vacation days to reflect the nation’s somber mood.
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