Gwangju Talks: The Sewol Ferry Disaster

Compiled by GIC Gwangju News Team: Jo-Ara, Kim So-hyun, Park Eun-yeong, Catherine Takah

Photos by Ana Traynin and courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City

Kim Hye-won, Korea, Postgraduate Student in Japan

When I heard about the Sewol ferry accident for the first time, I thought all the people would be rescued. However, the passengers did not get any help within the “golden hour” because the government was unable to handle the rescue operation quickly and efficiently. I heard from my Japanese friends how the Japanese government handles crises differently for maritime casualties, such as a ferry accident, and was appalled at the Korean government’s lack of response. Being a Korean living in Japan, I am still grieving bitterly for the victims. We should establish a clear system for emergency situations to prevent future disasters.

Rizal Rozhan, Malaysia
I believe I represent the whole of Malaysia to say that we share this feeling of grief with the people of South Korea regarding the unfortunate Sewol ferry incident, just as we too found our grief shared when we were struck with the disappearance of flight MH370. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of these catastrophes. In the meantime, we should come together and think of ways to minimize, if not avoid, the risks of such incidents. Be strong, South Korea.

Hoang Tran, Vietnam, Student
Well, having the experience of living in Korea for ten months, I have to say that traffic in Korea is really safe. So when the Sewol ferry accident happened, I was quite astonished. In Vietnam, this accident has been continually reported on in our news media since the day it occurred and we, Vietnamese, also sympathize with the loss of the Korean people. Among the survivors that were rescued, there was a small Korean girl whose mother is Vietnamese. The girl lost all of her family members in this tragedy, including her mom. I also feel a loss in my heart for her. Even more amazing, though, is the story about the girl sacrificing her life to save others, which I admire greatly. My only hope is that the Korean people will overcome this loss quickly and feel assured about the safety of travel in the future, by any means of transport. My condolences.

Fahmiranti Widazulfia, Indonesia, Student

I felt so sad to hear about the Sewol tragedy. I had just arrived home when I saw the shocking headline on the Jakarta Post. As someone who only lived in Korea for about a year, I still feel a strong emotional connection with the country and its people. It is unfortunate that so many students were victims of the accident. I contacted my friends and my host family in Korea to ask them about it. Hopefully, an accident like the Sewol’s will never happen again.

Ivan Yososaputro, Indonesia, Intern of Gwangju International Center 

I think I have the same feeling as others: disbelief.

It is very surprising to know that a developed country and an economic powerhouse like South Korea would experience something as unexpected and fatal as a seemingly trivial ferry accident.

One would think that in countries such as South Korea, companies would have to be very compliant and that the crew would be professional in conducting safety measures.

I was dumbfounded as to how disorganized they acted at the time of the accident, resulting in hundreds of people being trapped and sinking together with the vessel.

I think South Korea and its companies need to enforce safety training for their staff and crew. When accidents happen, crews onboard are supposed to act fast. We, as passengers, should also inform the crew when we see something that is unsafe or conducted in a behavior that will affect the safety of others.

Kang Ji-won, Korea, CNU Student

A majority of people, including myself, are furious over the Sewol ferry disaster. The captain of the ferry ran and was one of the first to get rescued while hundreds of passengers were still on the vessel. Even the leader of Korea passed the buck and did nothing. If I were a family member of the victims involved in the disaster, I would scarcely be able to live for the rest of my life. I think that what we can do now is weep tears for the hundreds of victims and stand beside them. But most of all, I cannot forgive the government.

Kim Yoo-jong, Korea, GIC Volunteer

The Sewol ferry accident was truly a horrible tragedy for Korea. I feel a deep sadness and loss because of it. I cannot imagine how the families have been feeling since this all began. I wish I could understand how the parents of the Danwon students must feel. Also, my foreign friends are always asking about updates because they want to know more. My heart goes out to all of those whom this accident has affected.