▲ This file photo, released by Reuters, shows U.S. President Joe Biden speaking during a visit to the Department of Labor for an event honoring the nation's labor history and Frances Perkins, longest serving U.S Secretary of Labor, in Washington on Dec. 16, 2024. (Yonhap)

Biden-S Korea-plane crash

Biden says he is 'deeply saddened' by loss of life in Jeju Air crash, vows to provide necessary aid

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Sunday that he and first lady Jill Biden are "deeply saddened" to learn of the loss of life in a deadly plane crash in South Korea, while pledging to provide any necessary assistance.

Biden issued a statement after the Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people belly-landed and exploded at an airport in the country's southwestern county of Muan on Sunday morning (Korea time), killing 179 with two others having been rescued.

"Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident in Muan, Republic of Korea," the president said in a statement.

"As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance," he added.

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