Right-wing group lashes out at Sewol hunger striker
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An ultra right-wing group is calling for an apology from the father of a Sewol ferry disaster victim, claiming that he ate during his hunger strike.
The group known as the “Republican Party” is accusing Kim Young-oh, whose daughter perished in the April tragedy, of eating enzymes during his 46-day fast. Kim’s strike intended to push the nation to pass a special Sewol bill and get to the bottom of the disaster.
According to the conservative group’s leader, Shin Dong-wook, a lawyer representing the family members of the victims, admitted that Kim had eaten the enzymes during the hunger strike, which was held on Gwanghwamun Plaza, central Seoul.
Shin said his group was willing to stop what it called a “test” hunger strike to see how long Kim could have actually gone without food.
The test hunger strikes have drawn much criticism, with many people saying the move mocked the victims’ families who support the special law.
The Republican Party was created to uphold the values of former President Park Chung-hee.
The parliament has been deadlocked over the contents of the special bill. Lawmakers have not passed a single bill since May.
The bill would establish a fact-finding committee to investigate the sinking. The families have called for the committee to have the authority to indict people suspected of being responsible for the disaster. The ruling Saenuri Party opposes the idea, saying it would damage the judicial system. The main opposition party, which supported the families’ demands, is showing signs of compromising its stance.