Korea National Council of Consumer Organizations

#701 Seoul YWCA 20, Myeong-dong 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

TEL.: 82-2-774-4050/FAX: 82-2-774-4090

Our View on the Sewol Ferry Disaster

More than a month has passed since the occurrence of the Sewol Ferry Disaster, yet we still feel at a loss as to the horrible incident that should not have happened. When a similar accident occurred, like the collapse of Seongsu Bridge (1994) and Sampung Department Store (1995) in Seoul, we said that they were the results of condensed economic growth and cited the need for a reliable safety system for our society.

We have often said that we are now set to join the ranks of advanced countries. Still, how can we say such a thing, with the occurrence of an absurd incident like the Sewol Ferry Disaster? Many of us lament the situation wherein many precious lives could have been saved had the rudimentary basics been followed by the boat crew or those who rushed to the scene of disaster.

On second thought, we feel that the nonexistence of a proper safety system is part of our daily lives in this country. This boat disaster and the collapse of the aforesaid bridge and department store are all results of a carefree attitude when it comes to safety.

We feel as if we are living in a castle built on sand. We know what the heart of the problem is, yet we are incapable of finding ways to prevent the problem. No one is willing to take responsibility, and everyone appears to be pointing fingers at each other. Something in our mind was telling us that society cannot go on like this, and that some big problems would occur.

Our society sank along with the Sewol Ferry. The victims, mostly high school students, lost their precious lives due to adults who did not know what to do in such a situation. We need to build a society based on principles and integrity.

The following are our opinions on what to do to avoid having such a tragic, absurd disaster recur:

1. Remorse over the Sewol Ferry Disaster

- The disaster was also a consumer-related problem.

The Sewol Ferry Disaster was a result of a poorly operating system involving irresponsible government officials. On the other hand, the disaster is a consumer-related issue in a way, thus, we feel a deep sense of responsibility as those who are part of the consumer movement. The nearly 300 students on the ill-fated boat were on a school trip to Jejudo Island. The contract signed by the school and the boat company had many problems. The people concerned had already cited the safety risks associated with the boat. The school authorities (consumer) were in the dark about the safety-related guidelines when using such a boat. The passengers failed to be provided with an opportunity to learn what safety actions to take in the event of a disaster. The rights of passengers as consumers were ignored outright in the service contract, as is the case in the country’s passenger transportation business involving boats, buses, airplanes, and subway.

In such regard, we would like to express the following opinions:

1) In a transportation contract involving carrying a large number of people, there is a need to include a safety-related clause one way or another and require having each transportation contract covered by an insurance policy.

2) Consumers need to strive to protect their safety-related rights in accordance with consumer safety guidelines through the relevant educational sessions and measures.

3) Consumer organizations need to perform safety assessment concerning public transportation means on behalf of the government as required.

4) The country needs to launch a consumer organization dedicated to transportation-related consumer safety based on matters pointed out as a result of the investigation into the Sewol Ferry Disaster.

2. About the So-called Gwanpia (Bureaucratic Mafia)

A country with very limited natural resources was able to join the ranks of semi-advanced countries by the 1990s, and there is no denying that talented bureaucrats played a crucial role in what observers say is a remarkable achievement made so far. Now, however, the situation is different. The country has become a global market economy enjoying a GNI level close to $30,000 and one of the world’s ten largest economies. The details of the economy cannot be left to bureaucrats as in the past but should basically be left to the self-regulated market; priority should be given to the coordination based on the balance between producers and consumers. The country has moved beyond the development-oriented era led by bureaucrats, and people have successfully transitioned to democracy.

The country will soon become one of the advanced countries, but our society cannot develop further merely by means of bureaucrat-controlled efficiency. The influence of bureaucrats was so strong during the development-oriented era that they have become the holders of power. Today, they pose a stumbling block to the country’s efforts to join the ranks of advanced countries.

What is stated in the foregoing paragraph does not mean that the importance of talented bureaucrats can be ignored. We would like to stress the need for them to be reborn as operators of state affairs dedicated to the development of society rather than as those focused on selfish goals. Bureaucrats should see to it that the market is operated properly based on check and balance. They should exert efforts to help the country’s civic society enhance spiritual values and democratic principles.

Measures should be taken to restrict the vested rights of government officials, distribute their power widely, and strengthen collaboration between ministries as those serving the country. High standards should be adopted to put an end to corruption and influence peddling. Meanwhile, government officials should be encouraged to work creatively and conscientiously for the good of the people in accordance with the laws.

The government should encourage the private sector to engage in constructive programs including consumer movement and provide an environment wherein businesses can carry out profit-seeking activities freely under consumers’ watch. The government’s role should be restricted to carrying out tasks that only the government can do with a proper sense of responsibility. Walls between government ministries should be removed once and for all if they pose barriers to the protection of consumers’ rights.

3. About the Emergency Steps Taken against Disasters

The Sewol Ferry Disaster showed us that the country does not have an adequately operating emergency disaster system, and that those assigned the duty related to emergency rescue lack professional knowledge and skills. The core of emergency rescue operation is the unity of actions and participation of capable professionals.

The issue here is whether bureaucrats are willing to transfer their “rights” concerning emergency rescue to professionals. The launch of a new government office like the National Disaster Management Agency in the wake of the ferry disaster is discussed as a system designed to facilitate onsite operations in case of a disaster. Although it is something that should be done by the central government as an entity that is ultimately responsible for the safety of the people, it is not an essential element of disaster rescue operation itself.