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President Lee Mourns Sewol Survivor, Pledges Government Responsibility
🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

President Lee Mourns Sewol Survivor, Pledges Government Responsibility

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep sorrow over the recent death of a Sewol ferry survivor.
  • He pledged that the government would fulfill its responsibilities to survivors and victims' families.
  • The president also vowed to strictly investigate and respond to any mockery or insult directed at Sewol victims and survivors.

President Lee Jae-myung conveyed his "devastated and painful heart" following the recent death of a student who survived the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster. He pledged that the government would "do everything within its power" to support survivors and bereaved families who have endured immense suffering.

It is a devastated and painful heart.

— President Lee Jae-myungExpressing his feelings about the death of a Sewol ferry survivor.

In a Facebook post on June 24, 2026, President Lee reflected on the profound difficulty survivors must have faced over the past 12 years. "I can hardly fathom what state of mind they lived in day by day," he wrote. "How much effort must it have taken for them to pursue ordinary lives like going to college, getting jobs, and dating – things so natural for others?"

He acknowledged the resilience of survivors, noting their efforts to appear "okay" despite overwhelming pain to avoid worrying loved ones. "While they say time heals all wounds, scars do not heal on their own," Lee stated. "A society that suppresses pain without sufficient mourning is bound to face problems."

I can hardly fathom what state of mind they lived in day by day.

— President Lee Jae-myungReflecting on the long-term struggles of Sewol survivors.

The president emphasized his commitment to listening closely to the voices of survivors and families, promising to "definitely fulfill the nation's insufficient responsibilities." He also vowed strict investigation and response against those who "mock or insult" victims and survivors, condemning acts that "dig into others' wounds and pour oil on them."

How much effort must it have taken for them to pursue ordinary lives like going to college, getting jobs, and dating – things so natural for others?

— President Lee Jae-myungAcknowledging the challenges faced by survivors in leading normal lives.

Lee urged survivors not to feel burdened by the expectation to live "special and great lives" in place of those who perished. "Please live ordinary, even boringly mundane lives," he implored. "Let go of guilt and enjoy the small happiness of everyday life with your loved ones." He concluded with a deep apology for survivors feeling "stuck on April 16, 2014, for 12 years," offering condolences to the deceased.

While they say time heals all wounds, scars do not heal on their own.

— President Lee Jae-myungDiscussing the lasting impact of trauma and the need for societal support.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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