On the 16th, both ruling and opposition parties issued memorial messages marking the 9th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. Regardless of party affiliation, the messages emphasized 'social safety,' while the opposition party mentioned the Itaewon tragedy and stressed accountability.
Kang Min-kook, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated in a commentary that day, "We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and survivors who have endured nine years carrying their children, family, and friends in their hearts."
Spokesperson Kang said, "The memory the Sewol ferry disaster left on our society is grave," adding, "Safety in daily life is not automatically guaranteed; it can only be maintained when everyone remains vigilant and does their best."
He continued, "Today is also 'National Safety Day,' established to remind us of the importance of safety following the Sewol ferry disaster," and said, "The People Power Party and the Yoon Seok-yeol administration will make greater efforts to review safety across society and improve deficient systems."
Kang Sun-woo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "Nine years ago today, we lost 304 precious children due to the irresponsible command to 'stay still,'" and added, "However, South Korea once again turned a blind eye to state responsibility and lost 159 young lives."
Spokesperson Kang continued, "Has the state changed after nine years? Is South Korea safe?" and said, "To prevent tragic social disasters from recurring, and for a safe Korea where all lives are respected, we will remember the promises and responsibilities of that day until the end."
She quoted a line from poet Do Jong-hwan's 'Hwa-in,' saying, "Once again, we pray for the souls of all the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster. We will not forget. We will stand together."
Lee Jae-rang, spokesperson for the Justice Party, said at a National Assembly press conference the previous day, "Tomorrow, April 16, marks the 9th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. We pray for the souls of the 304 victims and once again extend our deepest condolences to the survivors and bereaved families whose pain will never fade," but also said, "Remembering the vivid pain of that day nine years ago, we cannot help but ask how much our society has improved since then."
Spokesperson Lee said, "The painful cry of 'Where is the state?' was repeated on October 29 last year on the streets of Itaewon," adding, "Even now, the government must clearly demonstrate its will to prevent the recurrence of social disasters and improve disaster response."
He also said, "However, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration still tries to erase the October 29 Itaewon tragedy. If it truly does not want to forget the pain of the Sewol ferry disaster nine years ago, it can never do that," emphasizing, "Our society must remember the victims, bereaved families, and survivors. Moreover, properly remembering them is the very beginning of preventing social disasters from recurring, and the Yoon Seok-yeol administration must clearly realize this."
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