"Please Uncover the Truth" 7th Anniversary of the Sewol Ferry Disaster... Tears That Never Dry

Gwanghwamun Square 'Sewol Ferry Memorial Space' Draws Visitors
Bereaved Families "Keep Promise to Uncover Truth"
Civilians "Hope Such Tragedy Never Happens Again"
President Moon Jae-in "Will Ensure Thorough, Unbiased Investigation"

The 'Sewol Ferry Memorial Space' located in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul. On the eve of the 7th anniversary, visits from mourning citizens continued. Photo by Jumi Lee zoom_0114@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Joo-mi Lee] "I still remember that day vividly. I hope nothing like this ever happens again."

As the 7th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster approaches, memorial sentiments have been rising across the country. At the 'Sewol Memory Space' in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, citizens have been visiting since the previous day (the 15th) to pay their respects. Those who came emphasized that such a tragedy must never be repeated and, above all, that the truth about the accident, which the bereaved families have been demanding for years, must be properly uncovered.

Currently, Gwanghwamun Square is surrounded by construction barriers due to restructuring work. The 'Memory Space' is also hidden behind walls, presenting a different scene from last year when it was visible in the open square. Despite the relatively reduced accessibility, citizens' footsteps did not cease. Although seven long years have passed, people still vividly remember that day.

Mothers of the victims, who were students at Danwon High School, also came up from Ansan to Gwanghwamun to keep their vigil. One mother, who lost her beloved child overnight seven years ago, immediately wiped the outer wall inscribed with the children's names clean with a towel upon arrival. The mothers, who have been shouting for the truth for seven years, appealed once again for a thorough investigation on this day.

Relatives of the Sewol ferry disaster victims gathered at the memorial space in Gwanghwamun Square. Photo by Jumi Lee zoom_0114@asiae.co.kr

Kim Myung-im (59), mother of the late student Kwak Soo-in, said, "I hope President Moon Jae-in keeps his promise to work hard for uncovering the truth," adding, "His term ends next year, so I hope he shows a clear will and prepares concrete guidelines before then."

Kim said, "I am afraid of what the truth might be, but even if my heart breaks after learning it, I want the truth to be revealed, and those who should be punished to be punished within the bounds of the law and for this to be concluded," she choked up, "I hope no one else has to feel the bone-cutting pain like we did, and that nothing similar ever happens again."

Citizens also shared their grief with the bereaved families through memorials. Lee (43), who has visited the memorial space every year, said, "As April 16 approaches, that day always comes clearly to mind. A colleague I worked with at the time lost their nephew in the disaster, so it hurt even more," adding, "I hope that through uncovering the truth, not only the families but also the survivors can find peace."

Film director Park (39) said, "As an adult at the time of the accident, I felt very sorry to the children because there was nothing I could do," adding, "Before the disaster, I was only interested in myself and those around me, but I realized I had been indifferent to society, so I include many social issues in my films. The Sewol disaster revealed structural problems in our society, and I hope the same accident never happens again."

On the day before the 7th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster (15th), citizens are writing memorial messages at the Sewol ferry remembrance space in Gwanghwamun Square. Photo by Jumi Lee zoom_0114@asiae.co.kr

There were also citizens who opposed the opinion that "the Sewol ferry disaster talk is tiresome." Jeong, in his 50s, said, "(Such remarks) are very violent toward the bereaved families. They must have felt so frustrated over the past seven years," raising his voice, "We must ensure that the same thing does not happen again after the truth is uncovered, but first, we must go together through the process of uncovering the truth."

While the bereaved families' calls for uncovering the truth about the Sewol ferry disaster have continued for over seven years, the results have been unsatisfactory. The Social Disaster Special Investigation Committee was launched in 2018 to continue the investigation, but it has failed to reach an agreement on the cause of the sinking and has produced no clear results. In February, ten members of the Coast Guard command, including former Commissioner Kim Seok-gyun, were all acquitted, leaving demands for punishment of those responsible at a dead end.

On April 14, two days before the 7th anniversary, the 'Special Prosecutor Candidate Recommendation Committee for the Sewol Ferry Disaster Truth Investigation' was officially launched. This was about four months after the National Assembly passed the special prosecutor candidate appointment request in December last year. The special prosecutor is expected to investigate for up to 90 days into whether the closed-circuit television (CCTV) inside the Sewol was tampered with and the process of the Navy and Coast Guard collecting the Sewol's video recording devices (DVRs).

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in delivered a memorial message on the 16th, once again promising to uncover the truth. Through social media, President Moon said, "April is a painful month with the memory of Sewol," adding, "Last year, the National Assembly passed amendments to the Social Disaster Truth Investigation Special Act and the special prosecutor, creating an opportunity to get one step closer to the truth. I will make sure that the truth is uncovered without any sanctuary until the end."