President Lee Bows to Disaster Victims' Families... Kang Hoonshik Vows to Address Through Action and Policy

'The First Apology from the Nation's Highest Official'
Chief Secretary Kang: "I Was Moved as an Ordinary Citizen"
He Also Asked, "Why Was It So Difficult to Say These Words?"

Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik stated that, regarding President Lee Jaemyung's official apology on the 16th to over 200 bereaved family members of the Sewol Ferry, Itaewon, Osong underpass, and Muan passenger plane disasters, "I was moved to tears, not as the chief secretary, but as an ordinary citizen who once felt powerless and as someone who could not sleep out of guilt." This marks the first time the government has issued an official apology for the Itaewon disaster and the Osong underpass disaster.

Yonhap News

On his X account (formerly Twitter), Kang referred to President Lee's apology as "the first apology from the highest official of state affairs," and questioned, "Why was it so difficult to utter these few words that lead to healing and recovery?"

Kang continued, "As I entered the meeting venue, I still found it difficult to look at those we had invited, overwhelmed by a sense of guilt," adding, "Only by remembering, reflecting, and moving forward can we begin to heal the wounds of our community." He further stated, "We will address this through concrete policies and actions."

Kang also wrote, "Let us build a country where bereaved families never again have to take to the streets in mourning attire, where no interest or cost takes precedence over the safety and lives of the people, and where every citizen can enjoy daily life with peace of mind, together."

President Lee invited 207 bereaved family members of the Sewol Ferry, Itaewon, Muan passenger plane, and Osong underpass disaster victims to the Blue House State Guest House, where he bowed his head and delivered an official apology on behalf of the government.