Sewol Update August 2015

Researched and Translated by Kim Singsing and Jung Jimin

Photo courtesy of Kim Ju-hyeong

4/16 Sewol Families reject government compensation, will bring a civil suit

‘4/16 Sewol Families’, composed of the families of victims of the Sewol ferry disaster rejected the offer of governmental compensation and decided to bring civil action.

4/16 Sewol Families said “In the meantime, we sent the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries our stance (the salvage of the ship and a truth investigation is the first priority) but they did not respond yet”

The government tried to persuade the victims’ families to accept the proceeding of governmental compensation, however we denied it and are preparing to bring a civil suit around the middle of August. And, “The civil suit is for the investigation of truth through trial. It’s not for receiving compensation. We won’t accept the government’s policies that cover up the disaster while mentioning the amount of money.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries noticed that they’ll give compensation of an average 420 million won for the victims of the Sewol disaster and an average of 760 million won for teachers.

However, a criticism has come with the opinion, “The government highballed the amount of compensation. it includes an insurance that is unrelated to the government as well as the estimated amount of national donation.

Sewol Flash Mob held during Water Gun Festival

Gwangju Citizens’ Mourners Group for the Sewol Ferry Disaster Victims organized a flash mob performance during the Water Gun Festival held on July 11th on Geumnam-ro. About 200 people joined in the performance, including the group members and a few international residents. The flash mob was organized to remind citizens, travelers and athletes about the Sewol tragedy. These visitors to Gwangju for the Summer Universiade learned about the ongoing struggle to uncover the truth.

The flash mob performed to the song: “The Truth Won’t Sink,” with lyrics that include the following:

Darkness can’t defeat the light, Lies can’t defeat the truth.

The truth won’t sink, and we won’t give up

어둠은 빛을 이길 수 없다

거짓은 참을 이길 수 없다

진실은 침몰하지 않는다

우리는 포기하지 않는다

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