Incheon holds memorial for 12th anniversary of Sewol Ferry civilian victims

Twelve years have passed since the tragic Sewol Ferry disaster, and the city of Incheon, a key location connected to the tragedy, held a solemn memorial ceremony to honor the civilian victims. The event, held at the memorial hall in Incheon Family Park, brought together approximately 200 attendees, including government officials like the Minister of the Interior and Safety, the Mayor of Incheon, and the Superintendent of Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education, alongside bereaved families.

The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost in 2014 and a recommitment to ensuring such a catastrophe never happens again. Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok delivered a heartfelt eulogy, stating, "As we mark the twelfth spring, we are reminded of that day once more. Incheon City will never forget the victims and will become a strong community that stands with society so that the bereaved families do not feel isolated."

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As we mark the twelfth spring, we are reminded of that day once more. Incheon City will never forget the victims and will become a strong community that stands with society so that the bereaved families do not feel isolated.

He further pledged, "We will remember the pain of that day and not forget the lessons learned. We will continue to build a safer city with citizen safety and happiness as our top priority." These words reflect a deep sense of responsibility felt by the city, given its role as the departure port for the ill-fated ferry and the origin of many of its passengers.

The Sewol Ferry Civilian Victims Memorial Hall was established in 2016 specifically to commemorate the 43 civilian victims and the two divers who perished during the rescue operations. The choice of Incheon for this memorial is significant, considering that a majority of the civilian victims were from the Seoul metropolitan area, and the ferry's journey began at Incheon Port. The ceremony underscores the enduring impact of the disaster and the ongoing commitment to remembrance and safety improvements within South Korea.

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We will remember the pain of that day and not forget the lessons learned. We will continue to build a safer city with citizen safety and happiness as our top priority.