Nine fishermen, including two Indonesians, went missing after their bull trawler Geumyang No. 98 sunk in the West Sea after their part in the rescue operation of the Navy ship Cheonan 20 days ago.
The sailors went into the sea following a collision between their ship and a Cambodian cargo ship. Seven, including an Indonesian, are still missing and two of them were found dead. Rescue operations have been under way but little progress has been made due to stormy weather.
The body of 36-year-old Lambang Nurcahyo, a father of two, was retrieved. Unmarried 35-year- old, Yusuf Harefa, has yet to be found.
The nation is in mourning for the Cheonan victims. President Lee Myung-bak, in a special televised message to the nation Monday, mentioned each of the 46 Navy crewmembers. But no reference was made to the Geumyang heroes.
Since last week, KBS and NGOs have kicked off national fundraising campaigns for the Navy victims. But the campaign does not include the Geumyang fishermen.
Like the fallen Navy sailors, the Geumyang fishermen are also heroes who risked their lives to rescue the Navy victims.
The Geumyang family members are fuming over the lack of attention from the government. The Indonesian Embassy in Korea is also busy for the salvaging of the missing Indonesians and a funeral ceremony for the deceased. The Korean Embassy in Jakharta has contacted their family members and expressed their deep regrets over the tragedy. The Korean Embassy promised the family members a quick issuance of visas so that they can come to Korea. But the poor bereaved family members are unable to visit here.
The government says both Korean and Indonesian fishermen will get the same treatment in accordance with the law.
The government needs to pay equal attention to these ``forgotten'' fishermen as they did to the Cheonan sailors.
In particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was quick to show sympathy for the two ill-fated Indonesians. It will be equally touching for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Yu Myung-hwan to write letters to their family members.
Upgrading Korea's image cannot be made only through slogans, campaigns and aid. When Korean people show they care for the lives of non-Koreans, especially those who risked their lives in Korea, the country and its people will gain international respect.
The show of sympathy will impress the 1.2 million foreigners here, including many Asian migrant workers, convincing them to believe that Korea is truly committed to the promotion of a multicultural society. When they return home with good memories, they will become voluntary ambassadors for Korea and potential buyers of Korean products.
The Indonesian people are watching what Korea and Koreans are doing for their compatriots. It is time for Korea to show that it really is a good friend of the Asian country. The same sympathy must also go to the seven other Korean heroes.