🚨 Public Anxiety Lingers: Half of South Koreans Fear Another Sewol Ferry Disaster

A recent survey conducted on the 11th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry tragedy reveals significant public anxiety regarding the safety of South Korean society against large-scale disasters. The survey, a collaborative effort by Dong-A University, Korea Research, and CG Insight, highlights a prevailing sense of insecurity among citizens.

Key Findings:

• High Level of Anxiety: 44% of respondents feel “unsafe” from major disasters, dwarfing the 17.6% who feel “safe.”
• Decreased Sense of Security: The percentage of people feeling “safe” has plummeted from 43.1% in 2021 to just 17.6% this year.
• Responsibility on Government: Those feeling unsafe primarily hold the “central government” (31.1%) and the “President” (26.4%) responsible for disaster safety.
• Increased Local Government Accountability: Responsibility attributed to local governments has risen from 6.9% in 2021 to 14.2% in 2024.
• Fear of Recurrence: Over half (54.4%) believe a tragedy like the Sewol Ferry disaster could happen again, with 47.8% predicting it within the next decade.
• Limited Confidence in Disaster Response: Only 44.5% believe the disaster response system has improved since the Sewol Ferry disaster.

The research team emphasizes that despite the passage of 11 years since the Sewol tragedy, public distrust in disaster management remains high. They urge the government to restore faith in the national disaster response system and to consider a decentralized approach that accounts for the growing sense of responsibility placed on local authorities.

The Sewol Ferry disaster, which occurred on April 16, 2014, was a tragic event in South Korea 🇰🇷. The ferry sank en route from Incheon to Jeju Island, resulting in the loss of over 300 lives, many of whom were high school students on a school trip. The incident exposed critical flaws in safety regulations and disaster response, leading to widespread public outrage and calls for reform.

This survey underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in South Korea to reassure the public and prevent future tragedies. 🛡️