Ed Sewol protests

It is three years since the Sewol ferry sank on April 16, 2014, claiming more than 300 lives.

The third anniversary of the tragedy is an occasion to remember the victims and offer solace to their families, who have gone through unimaginable suffering since losing their loved ones, many of whom were young students on a school trip.

Many people also feel sorry for the families of the nine missing people whose remains have yet to be found even after a government-led salvage operation brought the ferry to land before the third anniversary of the sinking.

A long time has passed since the incident, but there are still so many unresolved issues. The government’s pledges for a safer Korea have not been properly realized despite post-disaster measures like the establishment of the Ministry of Public Safety and Security.

There is still a lot of controversy about what caused the boat to sink and who should take ultimate responsibility. The Sewol sinking has turned into a political issue and opposition parties blamed former President Park Geun-hye for mishandling the situation.

Citizens still do not know exactly what she was doing on the day of the incident because she has refused to provide clear explanations.

Despite the lingering issues regarding the sinking, it is time to remove the Sewol protesters from Gwanghwamun Square, which is still occupied by tents that even carry non-Sewol messages like anti-Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) slogans.

The main problem with the prolonged Sewol protests is that other unauthorized organizations are also using the square to spread their causes. An organization supporting the nullification of Park’s dismissal has set up tents in the square and has refused to be removed unless the Sewol protesters are gone.

The protesters should stop depriving citizens of their right to enjoy the square fully. The square was designed primarily for leisure and cultural activities, not protests. The Seoul city administration should begin clearing the square of protesters who only promote social division.

The Sewol demonstrations can no longer be justified because Park has been removed from office and the Sewol ferry has been salvaged.

Protesters should leave it to the special committee to inspect the recovered ship to find the cause of the tragedy and entrust the next administration to learn from the Sewol sinking and implement measures to improve disaster management systems.