Kim Byung-hyun, Ahn Yoo-sung, and Hong Jin-young mourned the loss of acquaintances in the recent tragedy. "Remembrance + Service."

"I lost someone I knew in the Muan Airport disaster," shared one of the grieving individuals.

The tears of stars who lost their acquaintances have deepened the collective sorrow of the nation following the tragic Jeju Air Muan Airport disaster.

Chef Ahn Yoo-sung, known for his appearance on 'Black and White Chef,' visited Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, on Thursday. He delivered 200 servings of gimbap to the bereaved families. "I heard about the tragedy while in the kitchen. I quickly prepared the gimbap with the staff and rushed here. I couldn’t just stay still; I had to do something," Ahn said.

"The producer I once worked with also changed his name. I came here because I thought volunteering through food might provide some comfort. Most of the victims are local residents, close friends from just across the bridge. As a cook, I felt it was my duty to serve with food," he added. Ahn also mentioned plans to share rice cake soup with the bereaved families on January 1, the first day of the new year.

Earlier, on the 29th, Kim Byung-hyun, a former major league baseball player, became emotional as he reported that a member of the Kia Tigers’ public relations team was among the victims.

Kim shared, "They were someone’s mom, dad, son, daughter, brother, or sister. My heart aches deeply. I pray for the families left behind."

He continued, "Team leader Ko Kang-in of the Kia Tigers, currently in the U.S., recently shared on Instagram about enjoying time in Thailand with his family. I saw pictures of his 3-year-old nephew and kept pressing the 'like' button on their posts. Kang-in was so happy with his wife and child. It’s heartbreaking."

Kim further mourned, writing, "Ko Kang-in, who married Je-soo through a workplace connection, was so overjoyed with his family. Kang-in, I’m sorry I couldn’t be a better friend. I hope you find peace with your loved ones in heaven. Rest in peace, my dear friend."

Team leader Ko Kang-in, his wife, and their 3-year-old son tragically passed away in the accident, with the young child being the youngest victim. On the 31st, Kia Tigers players and executives visited the joint memorial altar to pay their respects.

Singer Hong Jin-young also expressed her grief, saying, "One of the passengers in this tragic accident was my dentist. I had just seen him a few days ago." She added, "He was a genuinely kind person. May he rest in peace." The dentist Hong mentioned was reportedly well-respected in the community.

The tragedy occurred when a Jeju Air passenger plane attempting to land at Muan International Airport from Bangkok Airport on the 29th collided with a concrete wall at the end of the runway. 

The accident claimed 179 lives out of the 181 passengers. In response, all entertainment programs, including year-end award ceremonies, production presentations, concerts, events, and YouTube channels, were halted. Acting President and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok declared a period of national mourning from the 29th to January 4th.