President Moon: "Sewol Ferry, Unbiased Truth Investigation"... People Power Party: "Firm Response to Political Exploitation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] On the 16th, marking the 7th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, President Moon Jae-in and the ruling party expressed their condolences while emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth. The People Power Party, along with their condolences, stated that they "will firmly respond to any political exploitation of the pain."

President Moon said on Facebook that day, "Thinking of the children who would have been dignified young adults if they were still with us, it has not been a short time," and added, "I still feel sorry. I send my condolences and gratitude to the families who have endured this painful time as each other's support and to those who have stood by them."

He continued, "Only the truth can prevent tragedy and bring about a society that values life," noting, "Last year, the National Assembly passed the amendment to the 'Special Act on the Truth Investigation of Social Disasters' and the special prosecutor system, creating an opportunity to get one step closer to the truth." He added, "I will make sure until the end that the Special Investigation Commission on Social Disasters conducts an unreserved investigation."

The Democratic Party of Korea also prayed for the victims and mentioned activities for truth-finding such as the special law, the special investigation commission, and the special prosecutor. Democratic Party spokesperson Heo Young said, "Since the disaster, three official investigation committees have been formed, but it is true that clear causes of sinking and accountability have yet to be sufficiently clarified," and added, "We must not forget and continue efforts to reveal the truth." Kang Eun-mi, floor leader of the Justice Party, said, "The truth of the Sewol ferry still lies beneath the sea from seven years ago."

The People Power Party, whose leadership is scheduled to attend the 'Sewol Memorial Ceremony' for the first time in five years this afternoon, also prayed for the victims' peaceful rest and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. People Power Party spokesperson Yoon Hee-seok said in a statement, "The People Power Party will take the pain of the Sewol ferry disaster as a lesson and build a system to protect citizens from unexpected disasters," adding, "We will firmly respond to acts that exploit the pain of Sewol for political or personal gain, and ensure that the tragic deaths of the victims are neither distorted nor belittled."

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