충북대학교신문방송사

In 2024, it is 10 years after the MV Sewol ferry sank on April 16. Families of those who were lost have been looking for missing people and asking the government to find out what really happened. They want to make sure something like this does not happen again. To remember the past 10 years since the tragedy, there will be events all over the country, including Seoul and Ansan. These will include a show of things that belonged to the victims, a new movie about the tragedy, and a festival. A group called the 4·16 10th Anniversary Committee of Sewol Tragedy is also starting to help make things better after the ferry sank. A CBT reporter interviewed with Choi Sun-hwa, who works with the 4·16 Family Council of Sewol Tragedy, and heard about what has been done since the tragedy and how they are trying to keep the memory of the MV Sewol alive.

Q1. Please introduce yourself.

Hello! I am Choi Sun-hwa. I work with a group called the 4·16 Family Council. We focused on the Sinking of MV Sewol, a tragic event that happened 10 years ago. I am also a mother, and my child, Lee Chang-hyun, is in second grade at Danwon High School. My role in the council is to handle foreign cooperation, and I am also part of the 4·16 choir.

Q2. Please introduce the 4·16 10th Anniversary Committee of Sewol Tragedy.

In 2024, it has been a decade since the tragic sinking of the MV Sewol on April 16. The families affected by this event have been grappling with how to commemorate the 10th anniversary, which was about a year ago. Bringing together people from all walks of life, we are organizing various activities and events to honor this significant milestone. Our goal is twofold: first, to shed light on the entire story behind the MV Sewol disaster, and second, to advocate for policy improvements and legal changes that address such serious tragedies. Our committee collaborates closely with those who have supported our cause over the past decade.

Q3. 10 years have passed since the Sinking of MV Sewol. What has the past decade been like for the families affected by the 4·16 Sinking of MV Sewol?

In 2014, the MV Sewol tragically sank on April 16. Parents who lost their high school children in this disaster have spent the last 10 years seeking answers. They wondered why the national maritime police did not take more active steps to rescue those on board. The parents wanted to understand why their children, who had gone on a school trip, returned as lifeless bodies. Unfortunately, the nation was not forthcoming with the truth. Despite facing challenges and even opposition from some groups, the families affected by the MV Sewol tragedy persisted. Their bodies and minds grew weary over the years, but they never gave up. Together with fellow citizens who fought alongside them, they continue their quest for the truth about what happened on that fateful day.

Q4. Please introduce the principal enterprise of 4·16 10th Anniversary Committee of Sewol Tragedy.

“People of the Decade” is a program that recognizes individuals who have worked together for 10 years across the country. They come together to share their experiences from the past decade and discuss their plans for the next 10 years. Recently, there was a national parade where citizens walked from Jeju to Seoul via Ansan over 21 days. During this time, family members affected by the Sewol Ferry disaster emphasized the importance of creating a safer society. Another significant project is The Years of the Wind, a full-length documentary film celebrating its 10th anniversary. This film is omnibus edtion which includes three story and currently playing in theaters. Additionally, a dramatic film called Cotton Wool Day is set to be released in May. Lastly, the 520 Fridays and Walked for 10 years Facing Spring books were published as part of the 10th-anniversary celebration and are available in bookstores nationwide.

Q5. How do you feel about events to remember 4·16 10th anniversary held in 2024?

The 10th anniversary events are happening all at once, but some people find this overwhelming. Specifically, the intense focus on April feels burdensome and frightening. However, we should not forget about the Sewol Ferry tragedy that occurred on April 16. Let’s keep its memory alive, like the yellow ribbons hanging in our daily lives.

Q6. The documentary film Years of the Wind was released this month to mark the 10th anniversary of the 4·16 Sinking of MV Sewol, and the CBT reporter thinks it has a deep meaning in that it was directed by the bereaved family themselves. What is the content of the film and the message it wants to convey?

In the documentary film The Years of the Wind, parents who lost their children bravely took to the streets. These parents are not extraordinary; they are ordinary mothers and fathers raising children in Korea. Yet, they demand a thorough investigation into the Sewol ferry disaster from the government. Why should only ordinary parents become fighters for justice? Through this movie, we can witness their struggle and record of the past 10 years.

Q7. What do you hope the people of the Republic of Korea will remember about the Sinking of the MV Sewol?

10 years ago, people witnessed the devastating sinking of the MV Sewol on April 16. Since then, victims’ families and the public have worked to create a safer society. However, we have not fully uncovered the truth, and we risk forgetting our promise to prevent such a disaster from happening again. To honor that commitment, we still need the help of citizens. It is essential that our memories are accompanied by meaningful actions to bring about real change.

Q8. Lastly, what would you like to say to the readers?

Safety and well-being should be the top priority for any government. Nowadays, people believe that individuals also play a crucial role in safeguarding their own lives. I encourage readers to consider their responsibilities, contribute to creating a safer society, and take an interest in this important matter.

By Yu So-won

16slysw@chungbuk.ac.kr