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 remarked on the recent passing of a student who survived the Sewol ferry disaster, stating, "The government will explore every possible measure within its capacity," and pledged that the state would fulfill its responsibility to the survivors and bereaved families of the tragedy. Although twelve years have passed since the Sewol ferry disaster, ongoing trauma and secondary victimization among the victims continue to be raised as concerns. President Lee also stressed the need for long-term support and a strict response.

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 by expressing his “heartbreak and sorrow,” President Lee wrote on Facebook, "It is truly difficult to fathom what it has been like to endure each day for twelve years." He mourned the deceased, adding, "Going to college, getting a job, dating—how much effort must have been required to live a life that seems so ordinary and natural to others."

This message came after news broke that a survivor, who had been rescued as a Danwon High School student during the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, had recently passed away. It has been reported that the survivor suffered from guilt and trauma for a long time following the tragedy. Yukyung Keun, former Executive Director of the 4·16 Sewol Families for Truth and A Safer Society, previously shared the obituary via social media.

President Lee also emphasized that the pain experienced by the disaster's victims does not simply fade with time. He stated, "While people say time heals all wounds, not all wounds heal on their own," and continued, "A society that suppresses its pain and fails to grieve adequately is bound to face problems eventually." He went on to stress, "The longer emotional wounds are left unattended, the deeper and more severe they are likely to become."

In reality, even twelve years after the disaster, many survivors and bereaved families continue to report depression, post-traumatic stress, and physical symptoms. This has led to ongoing calls for sustained national monitoring and psychological support. In response, President Lee pledged, "I will listen more closely to the voices of survivors and bereaved families, and the state will fully meet its responsibilities that have been insufficient until now." He promised that the government would not only uncover the truth of the Sewol ferry disaster and build a safer society, but also take responsibility for the lives of those left behind after the tragedy.

President Lee also made it clear that survivors should not be burdened with the expectation of leading extraordinary lives. He stated, "Please do not force yourself to live a special or remarkable life just because others have gone before you," and continued, "I hope you will live a perfectly ordinary and, at times, pleasantly uneventful daily life. Please let go of your guilt and cherish the small joys in front of you with your loved ones."

He also announced a firm stance against acts of ridicule or insult directed at victims and bereaved families. President Lee said, "We will conduct thorough investigations and respond strictly to those who ridicule or insult the Sewol victims and their families," and added, "It is unacceptable for anyone to aggravate others' pain, let alone show no empathy for their suffering."

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

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