As the 11th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster approaches, citizens gathered in Seoul over the weekend to commemorate the tragic event that claimed 304 lives in 2014. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, approximately 1,500 people attended a memorial assembly near Gyeongbokgung Palace, organized by the 4·16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Family Council and 4·16 Solidarity. The somber gathering was marked by a shared commitment to remember the victims, with attendees chanting, "We will not forget the disaster."
The assembly featured a poignant event called the 'first balloon of the square, balloons of all,' where participants held yellow balloons symbolizing the Sewol Ferry disaster. The yellow color has become a powerful emblem of remembrance for the victims. Among the attendees was Kim Mo-ssi, a 21-year-old who vividly recalled being an elementary school student when the disaster occurred. "I remember when the news was delivered in class, and how I first joined a candlelight vigil holding my father's hand," he shared.
Kim Ji-soo, 36, expressed frustration over the unresolved nature of the Sewol Ferry disaster, linking it to other recent tragedies, including the Itaewon disaster. "Even though former President Yoon Seok-youl was impeached, there are still many unresolved issues, and the Sewol Ferry disaster is one of them," he stated.
Gwanghwamun Square was adorned with yellow ribbons and badges, as citizens showed their solidarity with the victims. Volunteers from 4·16 Solidarity distributed yellow paper butterflies to attendees, symbolizing hope and remembrance. Han Mo-ssi, 25, shared his reason for attending the memorial: "I was a middle school student during the Sewol disaster, and I feel regret for not properly commemorating it back then. I wanted to be here today to pay my respects."
Kim Byeong-seok, a former elementary school teacher during the disaster, emphasized the importance of education in remembering the tragedy. "Every April, I dedicate my classes to teaching students about the Sewol Ferry disaster. As an adult, I feel a responsibility to protect children, and I regret not being able to do so back then," he said.
Park Min-ji, who attended the rally with her 5-year-old child, reflected on her past commemorations. "When I didn’t have children, I would visit Paengmok Port every year to remember the victims. It always seems to rain around this time, and it brings back memories of that day," she noted.
Kim Soon-gil, the head of the 4·16 Family Council's office, addressed the crowd, stating, "Citizens who are angry with the state have walked alongside the victims to create a safer society. Our steps over the past 11 years have slowly changed our society." As the rain poured during the event, family members of the victims wiped away tears and raindrops, reflecting the deep emotions felt by many.
In addition to the Seoul assembly, memorial cultural events were also held across Jeollanam-do, including Suncheon and Gwangyang. On April 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM, a memorial cultural event will take place in Suncheon at the National Bank Sageori in Yeonhyang-dong. The Suncheon 615 Joint Changdan and the band 'Deunggeol' will perform memorial songs, alongside poetry recitations and speeches from citizens.
On April 20, 2025, at 4 PM, a 'Sewol Ferry Disaster 11th Anniversary Remembrance Cultural Festival' will be held in Gwangyang in front of the Seocheonbyeon Music Fountain. This event aims to bring the community together to honor the victims and reflect on the values of life and safety.
Meanwhile, in Mokpo, a memorial service is scheduled for April 16, 2025, at 3 PM at Mokpo New Port, where bereaved families will participate in a ceremony that includes flower offerings and a 'Sewol Ferry Healing Dance.'
At the Seoul assembly, various civic groups set up over 20 booths, including the 10·29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Family Council and the National Disaster Victim Solidarity, highlighting the ongoing struggles and demands for accountability surrounding recent tragedies. Kim Jae-man, the father of the late Kim Dong-young, a Sewol victim, displayed ribbons symbolizing not only the Sewol disaster but also the Itaewon disaster (purple), the Ariel disaster (light blue), and the Steel Daisy Ho Chim-mo accident (orange). He emphasized the need for the enactment of the Life Safety Basic Law, which is currently stalled in the National Assembly.
Song Hae-jin, the mother of the late Lee Jae-hyun, an Itaewon disaster victim, called for justice, saying, "We must ensure that no more precious lives are lost due to the state’s incompetence. We need to clarify the wrongs committed by Park Geun-hye and Yoon Seok-youl and hold those responsible accountable." She expressed her deep empathy for the pain endured by the Sewol families over the past 11 years, stating, "Their unwavering courage and patience have become a source of hope and support for the Itaewon families."
The collective memory and continued activism surrounding the Sewol Ferry disaster serve as a reminder of the need for accountability and safety in society. As citizens gather to remember, they also reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.
