Gwangju Citizens’ Memorial Altar Set Up at Dong-gu Democracy Plaza
Visitors Continue to Pay Tribute with Flowers and Messages of Remembrance
Gwangju Remembrance Culture Festival Scheduled for 7 p.m.
On the morning of the 16th, marking the 11th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, chrysanthemums were placed at the "Gwangju Citizens' Memorial Altar for Remembering and Acting" set up in the 5·18 Democracy Square in Donggu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki
"It is unfortunate that as 11 years have passed, the memory seems to be fading. I hope that through a complete investigation of the truth, South Korea will become a safer country."
On the morning of the 16th, marking the 11th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster, Gwangju Dong-gu 5.18 Democracy Plaza.
The Sewol Gwangju Citizens’ Mourning Group and Gwangju Youth Candlelight Group have set up the "Gwangju Citizens’ Memorial Altar for Remembrance and Action" at this location since the 12th. On the day of the disaster, the citizens' memorial altar in Gwangju saw a steady stream of visitors paying their respects.
Photos of the 304 victims were displayed at the altar, and chrysanthemums offered by mourners were placed on the podium in front. Passersby, upon seeing the altar, remarked, "It's already the 11th anniversary," and stopped by to pay silent tribute.
One student stopped and persuaded friends to join in remembrance, while another citizen was seen writing a message of condolence at a booth beside the altar. On this morning alone, about 50 citizens paused on their way to pay their respects.
On the morning of the 16th, marking the 11th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, a memorial message was written at the 'Gwangju Citizens' Memorial Altar for Remembering and Acting' booth set up at the 5·18 Democracy Square in Donggu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki
Messages of condolence hung at one side of the booth included, "I was 12 years old at the time, and now I'm about to graduate from university. Even after 11 years, people are still dying for various reasons," and "It's hard to believe that 11 years have passed since the Sewol Ferry disaster. As a member of society, I feel a sense of responsibility that even now, a proper investigation and punishment have not been carried out."
A citizen, identified as Kim (28), said, "While passing through the plaza, I saw the altar and realized April 16 had come again. The victims were my peers, and it's sad that their memory seems to be fading. By chance, I was able to visit the altar and pay my respects, and I am grateful for that."
Another citizen, identified as Park (63), said, "It's already the 11th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster, and since I live near the altar, I stopped by for a moment to pay tribute. Looking around, I can see that the memory of the disaster is gradually fading. I will continue to pay attention until the full truth is revealed."
On the morning of the 16th, marking the 11th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, the "Gwangju Citizens' Memorial Altar for Remembering and Acting" was set up at the 5·18 Democracy Square in Donggu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki
Civic groups helping to operate the altar explained that compared to the past, fewer citizens are visiting.
A representative from the Gwangju branch of the Children's Book Research Society said, "Since the time of the Sewol Ferry disaster, we have continued to run the altar and call for a complete investigation to comfort the bereaved families, but the reality is that the number of visitors has decreased compared to before. Still, perhaps because today is the anniversary, citizens from all over the region have come to pay their respects since the morning, and we are grateful for that."
There were also voices of criticism that not only the cause of the accident but also the rescue process and punishment of those responsible have yet to be clearly revealed.
Choi Hyewon, head of the Gwangju branch of the Children's Book Research Society, said, "Although it is already the 11th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster, there are still many unresolved issues, such as the rescue process and punishment of those responsible, which remain only as controversies. We are helping to operate the altar, hoping to comfort the bereaved families and provide at least a little support."
Meanwhile, the Sewol Gwangju Citizens’ Mourning Group will hold an Artist Action event to remember the Sewol Ferry disaster at 4:16 p.m. today. This will be followed by the Gwangju Remembrance Culture Festival at 7 p.m.
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