[On-site Video] "Don't Touch the Children's Photos!" Sewol Ferry Bereaved Families Clash with Seoul City

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "This is clear violence!" , "Aren't you ashamed in front of the children!"

On the afternoon of the 23rd, officials from Seoul City who were trying to organize items at the Sewol Ferry Memorial Space in Gwanghwamun Square clashed with bereaved families opposing them at Gwanghwamun Square.

Also, upon hearing about Seoul City's attempt to organize the items, Sewol Ferry-related activists arrived at the scene and physically blocked the city officials, leading to a standoff. The bereaved families expressed outrage, saying, "They tried to remove the children's memorial photos."

According to the 4·16 Solidarity, around 3:30 PM that day, Seoul City officials visited the 4·16 Solidarity and notified them that they would organize photos and memorial items inside the Gwanghwamun Memorial Hall. The Solidarity raised their voices, saying, "They have already deployed removal personnel in front of the Sewol Ferry Memorial Space."

Additionally, officials from the Democratic Party of Korea in the Seoul Metropolitan Council arrived at the scene and held emergency discussions. A Democratic Party official emphasized, "We may hold relay press conferences to protest against Seoul City's attempt to dismantle the memorial space."

The Sewol Ferry Memorial Space was created on April 12, 2019, after dismantling the Sewol Ferry tent. Seoul City plans to dismantle the memorial space starting from the 26th as part of the Gwanghwamun Square restructuring.

According to the 4·16 Solidarity, Seoul City announced that the dismantling would begin on the 26th. The Solidarity stated, "During the construction period, temporary relocation is possible, and after completion, the location can be negotiated in accordance with the purpose of the Gwanghwamun Square restructuring. Seoul City has not considered any alternatives nor pursued a meeting with the Mayor, which is regrettable."