6 years has passed, but the scars still hurts for the families of students who were victims of Sewol Ferry tragedy.
April 15th was the election day for the 21st Congress of Korea, but the day right after that was the sixth anniversary of this disastrous incident. President Moon's first public statement, was not about the victory over the election, but was to console the victims and their families.
Source : Reuters
On April 16, 2014, Sewol Ferry, which was filled with students of Danwon High School, faced an accident on its way from Incheon to Jeju Island. More than 300 victims, including 250 students, were drowned and many of them are still missing.
Source：NEWSIS
President Moon issued a statement in the morning, not to congratulate the victory of the election, but to express his sorrow to the victims, and the people who are still hurt. The following is an excerpt :
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……We live in a time, that needs sympathy more than ever, and today is the sixth anniversary of the Sewol tragedy. We have cried together, and took responsibility together. We have learned how deeply we are connected through the tragic incident.
Again, we are overcoming COVID-19 through mutual trust and dependency. We all wear masks, keep social distancing, and self-quarantine to not let go of any of our loved ones.
We have learned many lessons from Sewol tragedy to overcome the virus. Remember the kids who have left social responsibility as their legacy. We are deeply grateful to the people.
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In addition to keep pursuing the truth of the disaster, the government has built memorial park for April 16, and National Ansan Mental Health Center to not forget the tragedy, and help the families of the victims.
The statement also mentioned the two parents who have committed suicide, and make this country a safe place to never lose anyone again.
2019 Memorial Day (Source : NEWSIS)
Every year, there was a memorial gathering in front of Gwanghwamun until this year. Most religious groups have changed the gathering to online memorial.
Source：SBS
Last year's graduation ceremony in memory of 250 students who died was very emotional. If there was no accident, the students will be still living with us as university students, coworkers, and so much more.
