[Exclusive] "Resentment Turned Illness"... Sewol Bereaved Families' Physical Ailments Worsen Over Time

A decade after the Sewol ferry disaster, the physical toll on survivors and bereaved families continues to deepen, according to a recent study. The research highlights a disturbing trend: as time passes, the frequency and severity of physical illnesses among those affected by the tragedy have not diminished but rather intensified.

“

The accumulated resentment, suppressed over time due to slander directed at the bereaved families and the delayed pursuit of truth, seems to have ultimately manifested as illness.

The study, conducted by Professor Lee Won-young's team at Chung-Ang University, analyzed health data of Sewol bereaved families and a control group over several years. The findings are stark: bereaved families experienced significantly more outpatient visits for physical ailments compared to the general population. This disparity widened over time, indicating that the initial shock has evolved into chronic health problems. The types of illnesses observed are diverse, ranging from endocrine and metabolic disorders like diabetes to digestive issues and neurological conditions, suggesting a systemic impact on the body's overall health.

“

The psychological pain, unresolved over time, has affected the immune system and inflammatory responses, leading to physical illnesses.

Professor Lee attributes this worsening health condition to the prolonged psychological distress stemming from unresolved grief, societal backlash, and the ongoing struggle for truth and accountability. The lack of adequate societal mourning and national support has exacerbated the stress, leading to physical manifestations. The current government support, primarily through the "Sewol Disaster Relief Act," is limited, with medical aid set to expire in 2029. This study serves as a critical wake-up call, emphasizing that disaster victims' health rights must be guaranteed through a robust and long-term support system. Failure to do so risks repeating the same tragic cycle of suffering in future social disasters.

“

The fact that the risk of almost all types of diseases was more than 1.5 times higher for the bereaved families group than for the general population is a serious outcome.