"Rapid and Transparent Response to COVID-19, Different from the Sewol Ferry Incident"

Jang Hoon, Chairman of the Sewol Ferry Family Council, Reflects on the 6th Anniversary of the Disaster
Hopes for National Assembly Passage of Anti-Hate Law for Victims and Families

Jang Hoon, Chairman of the Sewol Ferry Disaster Families' Association Operating Committee Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jung] "Isn't a 'safe world' a place where we can reach out and help those who are suffering?"

On the 16th, marking the 6th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster, Jang Hoon, the Operations Committee Chair of the 4.16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Families Association (Families Association), said in an interview with this paper, "It was not politicians like the president or members of the National Assembly, but ordinary citizens who stood by us that helped us endure these six years."

Chairman Jang also mentioned that he has observed changes in our society since the Sewol Ferry disaster. He was particularly impressed by the response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). He said, "The transparent disclosure of information and the rapid mobilization of personnel and supplies were things we did not see during the Sewol Ferry disaster," adding, "Seeing these changes, I feel there is a clear message that the Sewol Ferry disaster has given to our society. The children did not perish in vain," as he swallowed back tears.

Last month, the Families Association donated 5 million won along with snacks and hand sanitizers to hospitals and screening clinics in the Daegu area suffering from COVID-19. This was based on the belief that just as the bereaved families gained strength through solidarity, that strength should be returned to those who are ill.

The Families Association also expressed hope for changes in the National Assembly following the general election. Before the election, the Families Association selected five key Sewol Ferry-related tasks they hoped the 21st National Assembly would address: ▲ Disclosure of presidential records related to the Sewol Ferry disaster ▲ Guarantee of investigation period and personnel for social disaster fact-finding ▲ Legislation of the 'Kim Gwanhong Act' supporting private divers and victimized temporary teachers ▲ Enactment of the National Safety Act ▲ Strengthening regulations to punish illegal surveillance, hate, and defamation against victims. A total of 429 candidates, including district and proportional representatives running in this election, expressed their willingness to participate. Chairman Jang emphasized, "Especially, laws banning hate against the families of the April 3rd Incident and the May 18th Gwangju Uprising victims, as well as anti-discrimination laws, must definitely pass the National Assembly."

The Families Association and the 'April 16th Promise National Solidarity' (4.16 Solidarity) will scale down this year's memorial events in accordance with the government's social distancing guidelines. Following quarantine rules such as maintaining a 2-meter distance and wearing masks, the '4.16 Sewol Ferry Disaster 6th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony' will be held at 3 p.m. at Hwarang Recreation Area in Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province.

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