On the 12th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, Lee said, “We will create a country that protects its people.” Nodo: “We will create a safe society” [Today Yeouido Sketch]

That’s politics. Politicians’ beliefs and philosophies, and the party’s orientation, are conveyed to voters through the messages contained in their words. News pours in every moment about who made such a statement, why, and at what point in time. Those in power know the power of words. Presidents, presidential candidates, and leaders of the ruling and opposition parties depend on message management. In the age of social networking services (SNS), effort is put into every single sentence posted on the Internet. In the era of fandom, the flow of power can be captured by looking around Yeouido, focusing on the words and movements of influential politicians. Those words can sometimes be a fatal dagger for politicians. This is why the media persistently pursues politicians.

①President Lee “We will definitely create a country that protects its people”

President Lee Jae-myung attended the ‘Sewol Ferry 12th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony’ held at Hwarang Resort in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do on the 16th. Among all previous presidents, President Lee is the first to participate in the Sewol ferry memorial event.

In his memorial address, President Lee said, “I will definitely create a country that protects its people no matter what the circumstances, a country where people can completely trust and rely on the country,” and added, “I am convinced that keeping this promise is the only way to complete the homework that the Sewol Ferry left us.”

President Lee said, “I bow my head in respect to the bereaved families who have dedicated themselves to creating a safer society by leaving behind each and every heartbreaking record despite the deep sorrow of losing their loved ones.” President Lee said, “It is difficult to imagine how much pain and longing he must have endured every day for so many years,” and added, “As the President of the Republic of Korea, I fully feel the heavy responsibility.”

President Lee said, “I will never forget the mistakes of that day and the heavy lessons learned, and I promise to make sure that the same thing never happens again.” President Lee said, “The reason the country exists is to protect the lives and safety of the people,” and promised, “I will not allow even a single gap when it comes to life and safety.”

② Byeong-do Han said, “The Framework Act on Life Safety will be passed quickly.”

At the party’s policy coordination meeting, Han Byeong-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, “Today marks the 12th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster. We deeply mourn the 304 victims who became stars in the sky. We also offer consolation and encouragement to the bereaved families and survivors who are struggling for truth and justice.”

Floor leader Han said, “In the novel ‘The Boy Is Coming,’ author Han Kang wrote, ‘After you died, I couldn’t hold a funeral, so my life became a funeral.’” He added, “The pain of the disaster that has not fully identified the truth and responsibility continues for all of us who survived. Unfortunately, the disaster is repeating itself even after the Sewol ferry disaster.”

Floor leader Han said, “Now the Democratic Party and the Lee Jae-myung administration will break that vicious cycle,” and added, “We will pass the Framework Act on Life Safety as quickly as possible, which defines safety as a basic right of the people and creates an independent disaster investigation organization.” He added, “The government has decided to establish a new National Life Safety Committee under the President,” and added, “The party and government will work together to create a true Republic of Korea that puts the lives of the people first.”

③ Song Eon-seok: “We will create a safe society where innocent lives are not sacrificed.”

The Supreme Council of the People Power Party began its meeting by wearing a black tie and saying a moment of silence.

Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, “We held a moment of silence a little while ago, but today is the 12th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. We can’t forget the shock of that day. The people asked the question, ‘Where was the country that day?’ and we decided to designate today as National Safety Day and reflect on the importance of social safety.”

Floor Leader Song said, “However, unfortunately, since then, there has been no shortage of large-scale tragedies such as the Jecheon Sports Center fire disaster, Itaewon disaster, and Muan Airport disaster. Today, as we mark the 12th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster and National Safety Day, I pledge once again to work to create a safe society where innocent lives are not sacrificed.”

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