Candidates exploiting ferry disaster

By Ko Dong-hwan

Candidates for the June 4 local elections are frequently seen at Jindo, South Jeolla Province, which was the scene of last month’s ferry disaster that left more than 300 dead or missing.

The candidates made it clear they were at the scene just for the exposure, with their speeches and campaign songs blaring from the amps, disturbing family members of the victims who are still waiting for divers to find the bodies of their loved ones.

“It’s very inconsiderate and tasteless of them to create a circus in a county devastated by the worst maritime tragedy in years. As a voter, I would never support these candidates,’’ said one Jindo resident.

An election official from Jindo admitted that candidates in the region have been competing to use the ferry incident to their advantage and said aggressive campaigns would be regulated if complaints continue.