Frogs in a Well: The Sewol Ferry Accident

On the morning of August 16th, 2014, the Sewol ferry sank in a routine trip from the Republic of Korea's southern coast. The vessel was en route to the popular vacation island "Jeju" (a 13.5 hour trip), and was carrying 325 students from Danwon High School on an annual science field trip. The responsible ship company, Sewol's crew, and the Korean government have all faced harsh criticism for poor response to the disaster. But eighteen days following the accident, with little chance of saving the 300 lost passengers and victims, it's time we step away from the 'blame game,' and focus on providing for the affected families and comforting a mourning nation. How has this one tragedy affected parties across the world?

Memorial messages stretch across the gates of Danwon High School. In the aftermath of the accident, many high-profile concerts and events have been cancelled out of respect for the mourning families.

Foreign journalists/ media: Through reports in English news sources such as the LA Times, Reuters, and CNN, journalists have taken this chance to question Korean culture, blaming Confucianism's focus on "obedience to authority" for the high number of student deaths. According to the Dallas Morning News, "If that was a boatload of American students, you know they would have been finding any and every way to get off that ferry. But in Asian cultures…compliance is de rigueur." The fact that the captain and several crew members were the first to exit the sinking vessel has raised several eyebrows, especially as it immediately followed an announcement for passengers to remain in their seats. Many news sources have taken to this theme of "culture blaming" with enthusiasm, but this spirit of stereotyping only places the blame on the actions and beliefs of the victims and their families, the last parties we should accuse in the face of such a tragedy.

Chonghaejin Marine Company: The owner of the responsible shipping company, Mr. Yoo Byung-Un, has come under especial scrutiny for a questionable past. Financial difficulties aside, the CEO of this business is also the head of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Korea, making the family-led marine company a largely religious and private organization. Furthermore, evidence has been uncovered that Mr. Yoo supported the education and employment of several proteges over the past decades to high positions in companies beneficial to his own. It is believed that the Chonghaejin Co. has been able to slide by safety regulation tests due to such favorable connections. These favorable links are no where to be seen though, as the captain and numerous members of the Sewol crew, all employees of Chonghaejin, are currently under arrest and facing charges of murder.

Note from North Korea: In response to this unheard-of disaster, both sentiments of sympathy and tightening of ship safety checks have increased across the globe. Even South Korea's northern neighbor offered a surprising word of condolence. News on the message arrived via the South Korean Red Cross association president: The message expressed deep sympathy as regards the sinking of the ferry “Sewol” in the waters off Jin Island, South Jolla Province on April 16 claiming many casualties including young schoolchildren and leaving many persons missing.

The families of Sewol passengers await news on their loved ones near the port.