“It’s been 10 years, but the pain is still there… I hope we come to a world where we can enjoy a safe daily life.” [심층기획-세월호 10주기]

Memorial events across the country

Remembrance ceremony held at Ansan Hwarang Recreation Area
2,000 people from all over the country attended to mourn the victims.
“I will live remembering every moment of my life”
Incheon’s ‘General Memorial Hall’ honors the soul

The bereaved family visits the waters of Jindo and Donggeochado
Commemorating the names of 304 victims
“Come to me in my dream before the 10th anniversary” Tears

“I want to become adults who stand on solid ground for today’s youth, but I still feel like we don’t have solid ground.”

At the Hwarang Resort in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, where the ’10th Anniversary of the Sewol Ferry Disaster’ was held on the 16th, Kim Ji-ae (27), who is the same age as the Danwon High School victims, calmly read a letter to the victims. Kim said, “I will live every moment of my life remembering you,” and she said, “If one day you meet people who remember you, please greet them with joy.”

The day’s remembrance ceremony began with a naming ceremony where the names of the 250 victims of Danwon High School were called one by one under the theme of ‘Memory, Responsibility, and Promise.’ About 3,500 people from all walks of life (police estimate), including bereaved families of the Sewol and October 29 Itaewon disasters, attended to commemorate the victims of the disaster, which marked its 10th anniversary, and pledged to work for the safety of our society.

Kim Gwang-jun, chairman of the April 16 Foundation, said, “After 10 years, many things are likely to be forgotten, but there are also some things that must be remembered.” He added, “The 10th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster is a time of departure and commitment to move toward a society that respects life and is safe.” “I hope this happens,” he said. Kim Jong-gi, the father of victim Kim Soo-jin and chairman of the steering committee of the 4/16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Families Council, emphasized the need to uncover the truth, saying, “If we do not remember and change the wrongful past, society cannot take a single step forward.”

At the ‘Sewol Ferry Memorial Hall’ in Incheon, a 10th anniversary memorial service was held to honor the victims, excluding Danwon High School students and teachers. The Sewol Ferry Memorial Hall houses enshrinements for 42 of the 43 victims of the disaster and the two civilian divers who died during the rescue operation.

Lee Eun-ae (43), the younger sister of victim Lee Eun-chang, attended the memorial service and cried, saying, “It’s been 10 years, but it feels like yesterday and the pain is the same.” Mr. Lee said, “When I see people wearing ribbons, I can’t pretend to know them, but I am grateful that they don’t forget and remember me,” and added, “I hope this (disaster) won’t be repeated in the future.”

Jeon Tae-ho, the son of victim Jeon Jong-hyuk and chairman of the Bereaved Family Representative, said, “10 years have passed, but for our family, it is a season where the body remembers and the heart aches.” Mr. Jeon said, “I thought I worked hard to create a safe country for 10 years, but my heart aches because unfortunate events continue to occur that put these 10 years of thoughts and actions in vain.” He added, “We gathered here to create a world where people can enjoy their daily lives safely. “I ask everyone to work hard,” he said.

The victims’ portraits were filled with condolences messages from citizens. One citizen wrote, “Please don’t be disappointed because it’s been so long since I came,” and another citizen wrote, “I remember it clearly even after 10 years.”

In the waters off Donggeocha Island off Jindo, Jeollanam-do, where the Sewol ferry sank, 25 bereaved family members paid tribute to the 304 victims by calling their names. The bereaved families on the boat floated chrysanthemums toward the yellow buoy with ‘Sewol’ written on it and circled the sea twice. Kim In-sook (63), the mother of victim Da-hye Jeong, said, “The bright image of the child is still vivid in the corner of her eyes,” and she sobbed, “The more vivid it becomes, the more the pain grows.” “As she was approaching her 10th anniversary, her child came to her in a dream, which seemed to mean that she should not be sad anymore,” she said. said.

Kim Byeong-gon, the first chairman of the Family Countermeasures Committee, who visited Jindo, said, “Even as time goes by, the pain and regret of being put on the Sewol ferry still remain.” “I don’t think it came,” he said.

A memorial procession of citizens continued at the ‘Sewol Ferry Memory Space’ set up in front of the Seoul City Council in Jung-gu, Seoul. Citizens wore new yellow ribbons on their lapels or bags and wrote in the guestbook their pledge to remember the Sewol Ferry disaster until the end.

Ansan, Incheon, Jindo, Mokpo = Reporters Lee Jeong-han, Kim Na-hyeon, Kim Seon-deok

[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]