President Lee Warns of Stern Action Against Mockery of Sewol Victims' Families

President Lee Jae-myung has warned of a stern response to any acts of mocking or insulting victims and their families in relation to reports about the death of one of the Sewol Ferry disaster survivors. The President stated his intention to listen more carefully to the voices of the survivors and families and to fulfill the state's responsibilities.

President Lee urged survivors not to burden themselves with the idea that they must live extraordinary lives on behalf of those who have passed. He expressed his hope that they would set aside feelings of guilt and find happiness in their daily lives with their loved ones and in small, present joys.

The National Investigation Headquarters' Special Investigation Division for Secondary Criminal Acts reported that acts of mockery, disparagement, and malicious comments targeting the deceased and their bereaved families have been confirmed on some online communities and social media platforms. The division warned that such actions constitute significant secondary victimization, causing further psychological distress to the disaster victims and their families.