A flight attendant rescued from a passenger plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday is transported to a hospital in Mokpo by firefighters. Yonhap

A flight attendant who survived the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday asked, "What happened?" when questioned by doctors about her condition after being rushed to the hospital.

According to Mokpo Korean Hospital, the 32-year-old crew member, identified as Lee, appeared disoriented and asked, "Why am I here?" instead of describing his injuries.

Lee said that he had fastened his seatbelt as the plane prepared to land but could not recall events after the apparent landing.

A hospital official suggested that Lee's reaction might stem from shock. "It seems she was in a near-panic state, possibly worried about the safety of the plane and passengers," the official said.

Lee, who had been stationed in the rear of the aircraft to assist passengers, sustained a fractured left shoulder and head injuries but remained conscious. He was transferred to a hospital in Seoul later at her family's request.

Another surviving crew member, a 25-year-old identified as Kwon, is being treated at Mokpo Central Hospital.

According to medical staff, Kwon does not remember the crash either and told doctors she was experiencing pain in her head, ankle, and abdomen.

Rescue operations, including a search of the damaged tail section, continue at the site of a Jeju Air plane collision and explosion at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, Sunday. Yonhap

Hospital staff said that Kwon suffered a scalp laceration and a fractured ankle and is undergoing tests for abdominal injuries. "While her life is not in danger, we haven't had time to ask her about the crash," the hospital representative added.

The National Fire Agency announced that 179 fatalities were recovered, with only two cabin crew members rescued from the tail section of the aircraft.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.