New Year celebrations in South Korea have been scaled back in the wake of the tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday.

The nation entered a solemn seven-day mourning period after the crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737 on December 29 claimed 179 lives.

The aircraft crash-landed, leaving the country in shock as families and communities mourn the devastating loss.

In response to the tragedy, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced adjustments to its annual New Year’s bell-ringing event.

The typically vibrant celebration will instead feature a subdued program, omitting performances and observing a moment of silence to honor the victims.

Both South and North Korea are set to usher in the year 2025 simultaneously at 15:00 GMT, albeit under a somber atmosphere in the South as the nation grapples with its grief.

Vanguard News