304 Sewol Ferry Victims Remembered as Stars in the Sky...Tributes and Condolences

Governor Kim Youngrok Offers Condolences to Bereaved Families at Jindo Port

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok visited Jindo Port in Imhoe-myeon, Jindo-gun on the afternoon of the 14th, two days before the 11th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, to hold a memorial flower offering and moment of silence, honoring the souls of the innocent victims. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, held a memorial event at Jindo Port on the 14th ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster, offering flowers and paying tribute. He also pledged to build a safe and just Republic of Korea.

In his memorial address, Governor Kim said, "I express my deepest condolences to the 304 souls who became stars in the sky due to the Sewol Ferry disaster," and added, "I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families who live with an indescribable sense of loss."

He continued, "Jeollanam-do will never forget the painful lessons of the Sewol Ferry disaster," and stated, "Through the operation of the National Maritime Safety Center, which opened at Jindo Port, we will widely promote the importance of maritime safety. We will also actively support the (tentatively named) 'National Sewol Life Memorial Center Construction Project' (project cost: 211.7 billion KRW) planned for Mokpo Goha-do, so that it becomes a meaningful space for remembering the Sewol Ferry and its lessons."

He added, "We will prioritize the safety of our residents in every moment of daily life," and pledged, "Let us once again deeply honor the souls lost in the Sewol Ferry disaster and ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated."

Meanwhile, Jeollanam-do has displayed a large banner at the government building during the memorial period. Together with related agencies, the province plans to regularly conduct safety inspections of public passenger facilities such as ferries and aircraft, and to strengthen disaster prevention and response systems to take the lead in protecting the lives and safety of the people.