National Disaster Victims' Families: The Essence and Challenges of Dialogue

Prologue - The President's Message and Points of Expectation

On July 15, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung announced a plan for dialogue with the families of victims of national disasters during a cabinet meeting, alongside a focus on the return of medical students, enhancements to the healthcare system, and the efficiency of next year's budget. Particularly, marking the second anniversary of the Cheongju Osong underpass disaster, he stated, 'It is the government's duty to protect the lives and safety of the people' and signaled his intention to directly engage with the bereaved families. This statement raises expectations for genuine communication with the families. However, to ensure that the dialogue does not remain superficial, addressing specific and practical issues must be a prerequisite. This article analyzes whether the President's speech can serve as a starting point to redefine the 'conditions for dialogue' between the state and the bereaved families.

The Reality of Repeated Tragedies and the Perspective of the Bereaved Families

2.1 Sewol Ferry Disaster - Ambiguous Truth and Insufficient Accountability On April 16, 2014, the Sewol ferry capsized, resulting in the loss of 304 lives. Although a special investigation committee, the hull inspection committee, and the special investigation committee for social disasters were established, they were unable to determine a single cause for the sinking. The captain and some crew members were punished, but accountability for the coast guard leadership and senior officials in the government and the Blue House mostly ended with acquittals or non-prosecutions. The bereaved families have continued their demands for re-investigation and truth for 11 years, but the official investigation results have been inadequate. This process has reinforced the impression that the state sought to organize the incident rather than address the families' concerns.

Itaewon Tragedy – The Disappearance of Collective Safety and the Limitations of Mourning Policies

The Itaewon crowd crush incident that occurred on October 29, 2022, recorded 159 fatalities. After 438 days, the bereaved families passed a special law to launch an investigative committee, but the investigation is still in the early stages. The only punishment for those responsible was a prison sentence for former Yongsan Police Chief Lee Im-jae, while the main perpetrators were acquitted. The memorial site has been moved several times based on administrative criteria, leading to a lack of identity and stability in the location. Ongoing friction exists between the bereaved families, civil society, and the government. The Itaewon tragedy clearly demonstrated that the management of public safety and memorial spaces is a matter that the state must take responsibility for.

Osong Underground Tunnel Disaster - From a Local Incident to a National Issue

On July 15, 2023, a tragedy occurred in the Osong underpass in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, resulting in the deaths of 14 people. Most local government officials were not prosecuted, and only one site manager was sentenced to six years in prison. Families of the victims had to personally handle the recovery of bodies and funeral arrangements, while the National Assembly failed to address related legislative measures. This incident has highlighted not only a regional issue but also set a crucial evaluation point for the national safety and accountability systems.

Jeju Air Accident – Ambiguity in Aviation Safety and Accountability

In December 2024, an accident involving a Jeju Air passenger plane occurred near Muan Airport. A total of 24 individuals have been targeted for complaints and investigations, but there have been no formal indictments yet. Delays in information disclosure and a lack of speed in the investigation are failing to alleviate the anxiety of the bereaved families. Given the intricacies of responsibility in aviation disasters, thorough investigations and clear accountability are essential, yet the reality remains unfinished.

The essence that must be contained in conversations with bereaved families

3.1 The First Step of Listening: An Attitude Acknowledging the Scene of the Wound The President pointed out "humiliating anti-social behavior" and mentioned the principle of zero tolerance. This is a minimal approach that emphasizes the need to protect the feelings of the bereaved families. However, what the bereaved families demand goes beyond emotional protection. There must be listening that reflects the experiences and voices of the bereaved families in policies and systems, and a dialogue method and structure must be established for this purpose. 3.2 A Responsible Country is an Entity that Shows Results The declaration of "the lives and safety of the people" must be backed by action. If the investigation continues to be delayed, reflection will remain merely words.

Institutionalized dialogue can create alternative relationships.

Conversations with bereaved families should not be one-time occurrences but rather establish a continuous structure. There needs to be a system that guarantees the participation of bereaved families in the investigation process and results, a structure where they design memorial policies and the operation of memorial spaces, and institutional avenues for participation in legal amendments and budget allocations. Such changes can serve as a cornerstone for restoring trust between the state and its citizens beyond mere consolation.

Practical Issues - Current Matters Requiring Solutions

4.1 Sewol Ferry - Establishment of a Structure for Reinvestigation of the Cause of Sinking It is necessary to form an independent and transparent reinvestigation team based on the recommendations of the Special Investigation Committee and follow-up actions. A platform for sharing data and conducting joint research investigations with external experts and international maritime safety organizations should be operated, and the process and results should be publicly disclosed. Establish an implementation system that includes institutional improvements and accountability based on the results of the reinvestigation. The Sewol Ferry disaster still leaves unresolved questions. The 'reinvention' can serve as a starting point to restore and institutionalize these issues. 4.2 Itaewon Disaster - Institutionalization of Memorial Spaces

Epilogue - Criteria for Authenticity in Dialogue

The president's declaration of 'dialogue with bereaved families' must not remain as mere words. Structured investigations and accountability for those responsible for institutional improvements should be rapidly advanced. Institutionalizing memorial spaces and support systems, and establishing a collaborative dialogue structure centered on bereaved families are four key tasks that constitute the essential conditions for redesigning the relationship between bereaved families and the state. The existence of the nation lies in listening to and reflecting upon the voices of its members and readjusting relationships. Only when words and actions are aligned and practice follows can the president's promises stand before the people.