Daniel Russel, the U.S. government's top Asia hand, visited the South Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., Wednesday to honor the victims of a South Korean ferry tragedy.
"I am here on behalf of Secretary (John) Kerry, as well as the American people and the government," he told reporters after a moment of silence in front of a temporary memorial altar on the first floor of the embassy building.
Russel, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said, "We can only offer our unwavering friendship and support at this moment of deep, deep sorrow."
The 6,825-ton ferry, the Sewol, sank off the southwestern tip of the peninsula on April 16. The latest official tally put the number of confirmed deaths at 212. Ninety others remain missing.
Most of the victims are high school students who were on a field trip.
It's a devastating blow for the friends of Korea to see the loss of "so much beautiful, young life," Russel said.
Talking separately to South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Ahn Ho-young, he noted President Barack Obama's visit to the South Korean presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, last week.
At that time, Obama led a moment of silence and presented President Park Geun-hye with a memorial flag that flew over the White House on April 16.
It represented the depth of U.S. condolences for Korean people, according to Russel.
Meanwhile, he left a message on the formal guest book, reading, "Our hearts go out to the Korean nation, and to the families of the lost precious children, at this moment of grief. The government and people of the United States are unwavering in our friendship and support for the Republic of Korea."
Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), known for his tireless efforts to address the "comfort women" issue, was among the first to formally express condolences to Koreans.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write to share in this time of remembrance and prayers for those who have been so tragically impacted by the Sewol ferry tragedy," he said in a letter to the Korean-American community. "While the horror and heartbreak of this devastating accident is unspeakable, I want you to know that I join you in honoring the enduring spirit and memory of the victims, and prayer for their families.”
Honda has played a role in raising public awareness on the need for Japan to offer a sincere apology for having forced hundreds of thousands of Korean and other Asian women into sexual slavery for its troops during World War II. (Yonhap)