SKorea still haunted by ferry tragedy two years on

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL

South Korea's fast-paced society paused for reflection Saturday, with thousands of people gathering at memorials nationwide to remember the 304 lives lost to the Sewol ferry disaster two years earlier.

Hundreds of local school children perished aboard the Sewol when it lost balance and sank off the country's southwest coast on the morning of April 16, 2014.

It was a disaster that struck at the core of the nation, adding anger to grief as a series of tragic blunders were uncovered in addition to allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Some victim family members continue to call for high-level officials to be held accountable -- the Sewol's captain received the most severe punishment of the sinking's aftermath so far, a life sentence after abandoning passengers he had failed to evacuate.

South Korea's Coast Guard was also re-formed having been blamed for missing the “golden” time window when a rescue operation could have been successful.

Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn vowed at one of the related events Saturday to continue efforts "until everyone feels that our country is a safe society."

Further answers about what caused the sinking may come after the Sewol is lifted from the water as soon as next month.

The wait for the salvaging of the sunken vessel has been agonizing for relatives of nine victims still unaccounted for.

In the meantime, various gatherings Saturday aimed to ensure a lasting legacy for those who died.

One of the focus points was the official memorial in Ansan, the location of the high school most sorely affected by the disaster.

More people were expected to convene in central Seoul through the evening -- placing the police on guard just months after the capital's streets were filled with violent anti-government protests.