South Korean president offers condolences after China mine blast kills 82

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung extended condolences to China after a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province killed at least 82 people, The Korea Times reported.

Lee posted his condolence message in both English and Chinese — rather than Korean — on social media platform X, directing it at Chinese-speaking audiences within days of the Friday explosion. The Korea Times said Lee also called on Chinese authorities to bring the situation under control swiftly.

The explosion struck Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province in northern China, killing at least 82 people and leaving others injured, according to media reports cited by The Korea Times.

Lee posted his condolences on X in both English and Chinese. "I pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident, and express my deep condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and to the people of China," Lee wrote on the platform.

The South Korean president also expressed hope that the Chinese government and relevant authorities would bring the situation under control as quickly as possible.

Lee extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in the explosion.

Lee's post on X was addressed to the Chinese government, the bereaved families and the people of China, and was written in English and Chinese rather than Korean, according to The Korea Times.