Opposition party leaders visit families of missing in ferry disaster

The main opposition party's two co-leaders visited the families of those missing in the Sewol ferry disaster on Thursday, saying they wished to ease the pain of parents fearing the loss of their children in the sinking three weeks ago.

Reps. Kim Han-gil and Ahn Cheol-soo, the co-leaders of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, arrived at the gymnasium where families of those missing are camped, but few people were awake as it was still early.

Their visit coincided with Parents' Day in South Korea, when young children typically express their gratitude and love for their parents with carnations and cards.

"We came quietly on Parents' Day to hold the hands of the families and comfort them," Kim said.

Of the 476 people aboard the Sewol on April 16, 325 passengers were students of Danwon High School in Ansan, just south of Seoul, who were on a field trip to the southern resort island of Jeju.

As of Thursday, 269 people were confirmed dead in the disaster, while more than 30 remained missing.

"Many families are worried that the ship will be raised before all the bodies have been recovered," Kim said. "Our party will hold discussions on this matter."

Some family members vented their anger at the opposition leaders.

"Why did you come? Is taking photos all you need?" one person demanded. "Go in (to the sea) yourselves and bring them out."

It was Kim's first visit to the families, and the second for Ahn. (Yonhap)