In a message posted on Facebook, Lee said, "I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to those affected by the tragic incident involving our neighbors."
The fire "resulted in numerous casualties, leaving South Korea and the world in deep sorrow," he added, offering sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expressing hope for a quick recovery and restoration efforts.
Lee's condolences came days after nearly 100 people were killed in a fire at a large housing complex in Tai Po, northern Hong Kong earlier in the week. Seven of the complex's eight buildings were affected, with flames still spreading to adjacent blocks. About 900 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters at nearby schools, and more than 1,250 firefighters have been mobilized to extinguish the deadly blaze and carry out search and rescue operations.
As of early Friday morning, 94 people were dead, 76 injured, and many others still missing. Firefighters continue to rescue survivors and recover bodies.
Authorities suspect that flammable materials used during major renovations of the decades-old complex, which began a year ago, caused the fire's rapid spread.
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