10th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony 

for the Civilian Victims of the Sewol Ferry Tragedy

April 16, a day when sorrow and pain settle deeply in our hearts

To the families and survivors of the Sewol ferry tragedy,

And to the citizens of Incheon who have joined us today to honor the memory of those lost,

Although beautiful spring days are painting the world green, today, April 16, 

reawakens deep feelings of regret, longing, and sorrow within us all.

On that day, sorrow and pain weighed heavily on our hearts, 

much like the Sewol ferry lying at the bottom of the sea. 

A decade has passed, and we had hoped we might find some solace by now.

However, our memories remain frozen in that moment. 

Despite the retrieval of the Sewol ferry, the memories 

that transcend sorrow—regret and yearning—persist, 

still buried deep within our collective consciousness.

Remembering the 304 beautiful souls we lost

As this time comes around again, 

I want to share in the enduring grief and pain of the families 

who can never reclaim their former lives.

We must remember the 304 beautiful souls lost in the Sewol ferry disaster, 

who desperately awaited rescue until the very last moments as the ferry sank.

We must also remember the heroic sacrifices of those who,

even as the black seawater surged in, distributed life jackets

and helped the young students and other passengers evacuate. 

We honor the divers who repeatedly dove into the sea, 

searching for any fragment of hope, any small trace of their loved ones.

At this moment, people across the nation join in this time of grief, collectively remembering. 

We are commemorating the 304 lives lost in the Sewol disaster. 

There can never be a call to stop commemorating these victims, 

as our memory of this tragedy and our tribute to those lost strengthen 

our resolve to ensure such an event never happens again.

Today, I once again pray for the repose of the Sewol ferry disaster victims 

and extend my deepest condolences to everyone who holds this unforgettable pain in their hearts.

Fully committed to making Incheon a city where safety is paramount

Today, April 16, is National Safety Day. 

Reflecting on the series of events that led to the disaster, 

we are compelled to consider whether a greater focus on safety and survival 

might have prevented the tragedy of that day and lessen the pain we feel now.

It was only after the devastating loss of our children, families, and neighbors 

that we truly grasped what is fundamentally important and what our foremost duty must be.

Today, as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry tragedy, 

I, as the Mayor of Incheon, deeply reaffirm my commitment to making life and safety our top priorities. 

I am fully committed to transforming Incheon into a city where safety is paramount. 

We will never forget the pain and lessons of the Sewol tragedy. 

We are committed to ensuring that such pain and tragedy are never repeated, 

by fully embracing our responsibilities as leaders.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families 

and pray for eternal peace and rest for the victims.

Esteemed citizens of Incheon!

There is nothing more important than safety. 

The Sewol ferry disaster unequivocally showed us 

that safety must never be compromised. 

This conviction is why we gather here today; 

it also serves as a way to comfort the souls of those lost in the Sewol tragedy.

In this poignant April, a time to remember those precious lives lost, 

we mourn the pain of that day 10 years ago. 

Since yesterday, the spring rains have fallen, as if those who embarked on 

that long journey have returned as spring breezes 

to embrace their families who continue to long for them.

Time has not diminished the families’ grief. 

We once again offer our deepest condolences and persistently pray for the peace and rest of the victims.