President Lee Offers Condolences on Sewol Survivor's Death: "The Government Will Fulfill Its Responsibility"

"Strict Response to Mockery or Insult of Victims and Bereaved Families"

President Lee Jae-myung expressed his "heartbreak and anguish" over the news that a student who survived the Sewol ferry disaster has recently passed away, stating, "The government will consider every possible measure within its capacity."

President Lee Jae-myung is reviewing documents at the Cabinet Meeting and Emergency Economic Inspection Meeting held at the Blue House on the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News

On June 24, President Lee wrote on Facebook, "It is truly unimaginable to fathom what it must have been like to get through each day for the past 12 years," expressing his condolences.

He continued, "Though people say that time heals all wounds, scars do not simply heal on their own. A society that forces its people to suppress pain without sufficient mourning is bound to face problems in the end. The longer emotional wounds are left unattended, the deeper and more severe they inevitably become," he pointed out.

President Lee also emphasized, "The government will listen more attentively to the voices of survivors and bereaved families, and will fully assume the state’s responsibility, which has been insufficient in the past. Any act of mocking or insulting Sewol victims and their families will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with strictly."

He added, "Lastly, I earnestly ask all survivors: Please do not burden yourselves with the thought that you must live extraordinary or remarkable lives on behalf of those who are no longer with us. I hope you can live completely ordinary, even uneventful days, and let go of guilt to cherish simple happiness with your loved ones."

President Lee concluded, "As President of the Republic of Korea, and as an adult, I am deeply sorry that you have been forced to remain in April 16, 2014, for the past 12 years," adding, "I offer my deepest condolences to the deceased."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.