Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon emphasized on the 16th, marking the 9th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, in his memorial speech that accurately uncovering the truth and identifying responsibility is the first step to healing all those wounded by the tragedy. He stressed that only by taking this first step can South Korea healthily overcome the trauma of the disaster and be reborn as a 'safe society.'
However, he pointed out that if there is one emotion to single out when remembering the disaster now, it is undoubtedly 'shame.' Furthermore, he promised to work closely with Ansan City to ensure that all memorial projects related to the disaster are carried out as planned. In particular, he added that Gyeonggi Province will find every possible way to ensure the smooth completion of the '4.16 Life Safety Park.'
On this day, through a memorial speech read by Yeom Tae-young, Deputy Governor for Economy of the province, Governor Kim began by saying, "Today marks the ninth 4.16, 'that day,' since the Sewol ferry disaster," and "As a public official, I pray for the repose of the victims and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families, surviving victims, and all citizens living with the scars."
He continued, "Since the 4.16 disaster, no South Korean has been able to escape the scars of the Sewol ferry," and "If we were to name one feeling when remembering the disaster, it would undoubtedly be 'shame.'"
He especially noted, "It is shameful that we failed to prevent the innocent sacrifice of 304 people, and it is also shameful that bereaved families have had to repeat the same cries for nine years." He expressed empathy, saying, "I recently visited the 'Sewol Memory Classroom,' and was deeply pained by the bereaved families’ words that they have 'no place to lean on.' The gut-wrenching pain of losing a loved one cherished like life itself is something you cannot understand unless you have experienced it."
Moreover, he stated, "The attitude toward a disaster reveals the dignity of a society, and even if the government changes, the values of 'safety' and 'human rights' cannot change." He promised, "Gyeonggi Province will stand with the bereaved families, surviving victims, and the many citizens who remember the Sewol ferry."
He also added, "We will find every possible way to ensure the smooth completion of the '4.16 Life Safety Park,'" and "Like the '9/11 Memorial Park' in New York, USA, it will be a place where anyone with humanity can visit to express mourning and comfort, and share the spirit of empathy and solidarity."
Furthermore, he asserted, "Accurately uncovering the truth and identifying responsibility is the first step to healing all those wounded by the tragedy," and "Only by taking that first step can South Korea healthily overcome the trauma of the disaster and be reborn as a 'safe society.'"
In conclusion, Governor Kim emphasized, "We will work closely with Ansan City to meticulously ensure that all memorial projects related to the disaster are carried out as promised," and "Gyeonggi Province will never forget the disaster and pain of that day, and will forever remember the 304 victims."
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