President Lee on Sewol Survivor’s Death: “My Heart Is Heavy and Anguished... The State Will Fulfill Its Responsibility”

Facebook Message Following the Death of a Sewol Ferry Survivor
"Wounds Do Not Heal on Their Own"
President Lee Stresses Need for Long-Term Trauma Support
Firm Response Promised Against Mockery or Insults Toward Victims and Bereaved Families

On June 24, President Lee Jae-myung addressed the recent passing of a student who survived the Sewol Ferry disaster, stating, "The government will do everything possible within its capacity," and pledged that the state would fully assume responsibility for the survivors and bereaved families of the tragedy. Even after 12 years since the Sewol disaster, concerns persist regarding ongoing trauma and secondary harm affecting the victims, and President Lee also announced plans for long-term support and a strict response policy.

President Lee Jae-myung is inspecting firepower equipment at the Marine Corps Yeonpyeong Unit in Ongjin-gun, Incheon, on June 24, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

Beginning his message with, "My heart is heavy and anguished," President Lee wrote on Facebook that day, "It is difficult to even imagine what kind of emotions you have endured for 12 years, living each day." He mourned the deceased, saying, "Going to college, getting a job, falling in love... I can only imagine how much effort it must have taken to pursue what is considered an ordinary life by others."

This message came after news broke that a survivor, who was a Danwon High School student during the 2014 Sewol Ferry disaster, had recently passed away. It was reported that the survivor had struggled with guilt and trauma for many years following the tragedy. Yukyung Keun, former Executive Director of the 4·16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Family Council, previously shared the news of the passing through social media.

President Lee also emphasized that the pain of the disaster victims does not simply fade away with the passage of time. He stated, "People say that time heals all wounds, but wounds do not heal on their own," adding, "A society that suppresses pain and fails to properly mourn will inevitably face problems." He further stressed, "When emotional scars are left unattended for a long time, they only deepen and worsen."

In reality, even 12 years after the tragedy, many survivors and bereaved families continue to suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress, and physical symptoms, leading to ongoing calls for continuous national monitoring and psychological support. In response, President Lee declared, "We will listen even more carefully to the voices of the Sewol disaster survivors and bereaved families and fulfill the state's responsibilities that have so far been insufficient." He pledged that the state would take responsibility not only for uncovering the truth behind the Sewol disaster and building a safer society, but also for the lives of those left behind after the tragedy.

President Lee also made it clear that survivors should not be forced to live extraordinary lives. He said, "Please do not burden yourself with the thought that you must live a special or remarkable life on behalf of those who departed first," and continued, "I hope you will live an ordinary, sometimes even uneventful, daily life, let go of guilt, and enjoy the small happiness in front of you with your loved ones."

He also announced a firm stance against mockery or insults directed at the victims and bereaved families. President Lee stated, "We will thoroughly investigate and respond sternly to acts of mocking or insulting the Sewol victims and their families," adding, "It is unacceptable to not only lack empathy for the suffering of others but also to aggravate their wounds."

President Lee concluded, "As president of the Republic of Korea and as an adult, I am deeply sorry that, for 12 years, we have remained fixed on April 16, 2014. My deepest condolences to the deceased."

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