Dancing at Funerals: Jeju Air Employees Draw Outrage

The Controversial TikTok Video and Its Impact

A recent TikTok video featuring Jeju Air flight attendants dancing has sparked significant online backlash, with many users criticizing the airline for its timing. The 10-second clip, titled “Feisty flight attendants” in translation, was uploaded to the airline’s official account on July 11. In the video, crew members are seen smiling and performing a playful dance throughout the airplane cabin. As of Monday afternoon, the video had amassed 1.95 million views, 178,000 likes, and over 1,000 comments.

The reaction from viewers has been mixed, with some expressing strong disapproval of the content. One comment read, “Not even half a year has passed since the disaster.” Another user wrote, “It took a long time to recover the bodies and confirm their identities. The funerals were recent. Wouldn’t it be upsetting to see this if it were your family?” These sentiments highlight the sensitivity surrounding the incident and the emotional toll it has taken on the families of the victims.

On the other hand, some users defended the airline, arguing that the video had no connection to the tragic crash. One person stated, “The pilots and flight attendants did nothing wrong.” Another added, “They look adorable dancing … Just because there was an accident doesn’t mean they have to stay gloomy forever.”

Jeju Air has made a concerted effort to build its social media presence, becoming the top domestic carrier by online subscribers as of August last year. The airline has produced various forms of digital content, including YouTube videos and Instagram challenges. For instance, the “Chanoul Challenge” previously garnered 5.8 million views, showcasing the airline's creative approach to engaging with its audience.

Ongoing Investigations and Family Demands

The controversy surrounding the TikTok video comes at a time when the families of the crash victims continue to seek answers. The Aircraft and Railway Accident Investigation Board (Araib) was scheduled to release its interim findings on the December crash of Flight 7C2216 on Saturday but postponed the announcement at the families’ request.

According to the Araib, the crash was attributed to pilot error following a bird strike, not engine failure. The board reported that the pilot mistakenly shut down the functioning left engine and failed to lower the landing gear before attempting to land. However, the families have rejected these findings, accusing the board of lacking transparency and unfairly blaming the deceased pilot.

The Araib plans to release a preliminary report by April and final findings by June next year. The investigation is expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash, which occurred when Flight 7C2216 was traveling from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan on December 29. During the landing, the plane collided with birds, attempted a belly landing, and crashed beyond the runway, resulting in the deaths of all but two of the 181 people on board.

Public Reaction and Social Media Influence

The incident highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public perception and corporate accountability. Jeju Air’s decision to post the video has raised questions about the appropriateness of such content in the wake of a major tragedy. While the airline may have intended to showcase the positive aspects of its staff, the timing has led to widespread criticism.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing closure to the families and ensuring transparency in the process. The incident also underscores the need for companies to consider the broader implications of their actions, especially in sensitive situations involving loss of life. The balance between maintaining a vibrant brand image and showing respect for those affected by a tragedy is a delicate one, and the response from the public reflects the importance of this balance.