President Moon "Mourning COVID-19 Deaths... 6th Anniversary of Sewol Ferry, Reflecting on a 'Safe Country'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] On the 16th, marking the 6th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, President Moon Jae-in stated, "With the resolve to never let go again, I recall the promise made to the children who sacrificed their lives in the Sewol ferry disaster for a 'safe country'." He also expressed condolences for those who died from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On the same day, President Moon wrote on his Facebook under the title "The children of Sewol left us with empathy," saying, "We have reached the 6th anniversary of Sewol at a time when empathy is needed more than ever. We cried together with Sewol, and acted together to take responsibility. Through Sewol, we also realized how deeply connected we are to each other."

President Moon said, "Many of our family members and neighbors have passed away due to COVID-19, but we were unable to express our condolences to each death properly," adding, "These were people who laughed and cried beside us until just a few days ago. It is regrettable that we could not send them off with proper funerals," offering prayers for the deceased and comfort to their families.

He continued, "We are now overcoming COVID-19 and reaffirming our interdependence," and said, "The people are wearing masks and practicing social distancing and self-quarantine with the determination that 'no one will be sent away helplessly.'"

He added, "Our attitude and measures in responding to COVID-19 contain the lessons of Sewol," and said, "Remembering the children who left us the legacy of 'social responsibility,' I sincerely thank the people." He also expressed sorrow over the recent extreme choices made by some Sewol victims' families.

President Moon emphasized, "We will proceed steadily with the construction of the '4·16 Life Safety Park' and the 'National Ansan Mental Health Center,' and do our best to uncover the truth," adding, "The daily life we return to after COVID-19 will be distinctly different from now. We will thoroughly prepare for new ways of living and disaster response."

He concluded, "April is a month when even the body aches from longing. Sharing our hearts can overcome sorrow, and believing that someone is beside you can give you courage," and said, "We are always hope to each other. I send my deepest condolences to the Sewol victims' families and sincerely hope for their health."

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