President Park Geun-hye on Sunday apologized to the families of the Sewol ferry disaster victims for poor administrative measures to save their beloved ones, and vowed to punish all of those held responsible.
"I understand that you are in great despair. It has been about 20 days since the accident. I feel immensely responsible," Park told the family members of those who are still reported missing from the sunken ship at the Paengmok Port in Jindo of South Jeolla Province.
The 6,825-ton ferry Sewol capsized and sank off Jindo on April 16, en route to Jejudo Island. Of the 476 people believed to have been aboard the ill-fated
vessel, no one has been found alive since it sank. Families of the victimsnt have been camping out in Paengmok waiting for the news of a possible rescue, or body retrieval.
As of Sunday, bodies of 244 deceased people from the accident have been retrieved but around 60 are left missing despite intensive underwater search.
It was the second visit for Park, who made the first move on April 17, a day after the accident. The meeting between the president and the family members was held behind closed doors and media crew were later briefed of the encounter.
"... It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings."....I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
Sunday, May 4, 2014
THE PRESIDENT OF KOREA PARK GEUN-HYE APOLOGIZES FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR THE SEWOL TRAGEDY AFTER 20 DAYS–AS KOREA CONTINUES TO MOURN FOR THE LOSS OF 226 LIVES AND 76 STILL MISSING –MOSTLY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
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