Story of Husband Who “Saved” His Wife In Jeju Air Plane Crash Shatters Hearts

This article is part of our coverage of Jeju Air Flight 2216's Deadly Crash. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.

While South Korea’s endeavor to investigate the tragic Jeju Air plane crash continues, one interview between the Biz Herald and a bereaved family member is shattering the citizens’ hearts.

179 Of 181 Passengers And Crew Confirmed Dead In Jeju Air Plane Crash

On January 2, 2025 (KST), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced that the bereaved would be able to claim 200 personal belongings—like passports, cellphones, and luggages—whose owners had been identified. Soon enough, families formed a long line to to receive the remains of their loved ones whose DNA analysis had been completed. As of 5PM, the remains of 30 victims had been returned to their families.

Amid the bereaved was “Mr. A” who lost his nephew and the nephew’s wife-to-be. Mr. A told the Biz Herald that the couple had traveled to Bangkok over Christmas ahead of their wedding planned for March 2025.

According to Mr. A, it was evident that the nephew tried to save his fiancée by “holding her tightly in his arms” as the plane struggled to land and eventually crashed into a wall. As a result, the fiancée’s body was found relatively intact—while only the nephew’s teeth were returned.

Mr. A stated, “I’m waiting for more remains to return before I hold a funeral for my nephew because I want to send him off as whole as possible.”

As soon as we get back even a small trace of my nephew, we plan to hold a joint funeral with his wife-to-be.

— Mr. A

When Mr. A’s nephew’s story made news, Koreans mourned with Mr. A, inspired by the nephew’s act of true love and courage, and wished the couple eternal happiness.

• “The collision and explosion happened in less than a second, yet the husband managed to embrace his wife protect her in that moment… He truly loved her. I hope they get married in heaven.”
• “He must have been so scared himself, yet he had the courage to protect the one he loved. I have deep respect for his bravery. Hearing about this heartbreaking event makes my chest feel even heavier. To the bereaved families affected by this tragedy, I extend my deepest condolences. I pray for the departed to rest in peace and sincerely hope the two of them can enjoy peace and happiness together in that place.”
• “Now I understand why some of the bereaved families, whose loved one returned relatively intact, felt apologetic to other families. It’s heartbreaking to think about these ordinary, happy people being taken away in an instant, struck by an unimaginable tragedy. They never got to see 2025, it’s so painful.”
• “Even though I’m not a family member, this is truly heartbreaking. I hope they find peace in heaven.”
• “Even in their final moments… I hope the two of them find happiness in heaven.”
• “I wish reincarnation were real. May they fulfill their unfinished love as a married couple in the next life.”

Read more about the Jeju Air plane crash:

Colleagues Disclose Details About Jeju Air Pilot Involved In Tragic Crash