South Korea received condolences from the Nigerian authorities after Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed tragically. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, as it was travelling from Bangkok, Thailand, to South Korea. After skidding off the runway, the plane struck a wall and burst into flames. There were just two people left alive after 179 of the 181 passengers and crew perished. Nigeria offered condolences to the deceased’ families and the South Korean government.
A thorough inquiry has been launched by the South Korean government to ascertain the reason of the crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216. In an effort to stop similar incidents in the future, acting President Choi Sang-mok has mandated an urgent safety examination of the country’s whole Airline sector. Plans were announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to do special examinations on all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft flown by South Korean carriers, with an emphasis on the maintenance histories of critical parts.
The condolence message demonstrates the two countries’ solidarity.
According to preliminary research, the mechanical malfunctions that occurred during the flight might have been caused in part by a bird hit. The apparent haste with which the pilots attempted a landing shortly after announcing an emergency and whether any of the aircraft’s control systems were deactivated are being investigated by investigators. With help from Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, the flight data recorder has been found and is currently being examined. Formal diplomatic relations between South Korea and Nigeria have existed since February 1980.
These connections have become stronger over time, and in 2020, bilateral Trade volumes reached over US$1.27 billion, making Nigeria South Korea’s third-largest trading partner in Africa. This relationship has been further cemented by high-level visits and collaborations in a variety of fields, such as cultural exchanges and commercial ties. Nigeria’s condolence message demonstrates the two countries’ solidarity and respect for one another, demonstrating the strength of their diplomatic ties. Just two of the 181 people on board made it out of the disaster alive.
They have worked together on a number of development projects.
A flight attendant survivor described the terrifying event as follows: “It all happened so fast; there was no time to react.” The only thing I can recall is the deafening noise before everything went dark. The victims’ families are experiencing deep sorrow. “I can only accept it, make Peace with it,” mourned Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the collision. “I tell myself that it was… when I think about it. Anyone could experience this… I have therefore accepted that my brother will not return.”
Since formally establishing diplomatic relations in February 1980, South Korea and Nigeria have maintained a robust relationship. This relationship has developed over the years into one that benefits both parties, especially when it comes to trade, technology, and cross-cultural interactions. With South Korea sending electronics, cars, and machinery to Nigeria and importing natural gas, crude oil, and agricultural products, the two countries’ bilateral commerce reached about $1.27 billion in 2020. In order to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial and technological capacities, the two nations have worked together on a number of development projects, including Technology transfer programs. Notably, South Korean businesses like Samsung and Hyundai have operated in Nigeria, helping to build Infrastructure and create jobs.
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Further strengthening people-to-people ties, South Korea has provided language training programs and scholarships to Nigerian students in the fields of Education and culture. High-level visits have highlighted the significance of the relationship, such as the 2014 trip to Nigeria by former South Korean President Park Geun-Hye. These discussions frequently centre on partnerships in the energy sector, economic cooperation, and Sustainable Development tactics. Nigeria’s condolence statement in the wake of the recent Jeju Air tragedy exemplifies the friendship and camaraderie that have defined their relationship for many years.