Message on the 8th Anniversary of the Sewol Ferry Disaster
"We will be a government that best protects human dignity and the preciousness of life"
Ahn Cheol-soo, Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, is delivering opening remarks at the '10th Emergency COVID-19 Response Special Committee' held on the 11th at the Transition Committee office in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, emphasized on the 16th, the 8th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, that "the new government will prioritize the safety and lives of the people above all else."
Chairman Ahn stated this through his Facebook on the day, saying, "We will become a government that best protects the value of people and the preciousness of life."
He said, "The essence of the Sewol ferry accident is a man-made disaster caused by the state’s failure to fully fulfill its duty to protect the lives and safety of its citizens," adding, "It was a disaster that could have been prevented if the government had fulfilled its duties and the on-site managers had done their jobs."
He continued, "Every time an accident occurs, regulations are created and supervision is strengthened, but why do such tragedies keep repeating?" and explained, "I believe the fundamental problem lies in our mindset that thinks we have done everything just by strengthening regulations and punishments."
Chairman Ahn also said, "What we must do now is to not forget the lessons of the tragedy and ensure that the resonance left to us by the victims is not in vain," adding, "We will create a truly worthy country that protects even a single citizen’s life to the very end, not just a country that talks the talk."
Along with this, he expressed, "I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have spent painful days longing for their sons, daughters, parents, and siblings buried in their hearts over the past eight years," and said, "As a member of the older generation who feels ashamed, I pray for the repose of our children with tears."
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