Pieces of debris remain scattered at Muan International Airport following a deadly crash that left 179 people dead in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, Dec. 29. Yonhap

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul extended his condolences Monday to the victims of the deadly plane crash at Muan International Airport and their families, including two Thai victims.

"The tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport has left us in utter shock and profound sadness," Cho wrote on the social media platform X.

"Our hearts are torn apart by the loss of so many precious lives, including those of the two Thai nationals who had been on board," he said. "Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to all the victims and their families."

The Jeju Air flight, which departed from Bangkok, crashed into the outer wall of the Muan airport, located some 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul, the previous day while attempting a belly landing following a suspected bird strike.

The accident killed all 181 people on board, except for two flight attendants who were in the tail section. The victims included two Thai nationals.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also expressed her condolences to the victims and their families on X, saying that she had directed the country's foreign ministry to assist the bereaved families. (Yonhap)