Building Solidarity - A New Era for Disaster Survivors
Building Solidarity - A New Era for Disaster Survivors In a pivotal moment for disaster survivors in Korea, the launch of the Disaster Survivors' Organization (Solidarity) marks a new era in collective strength. Over the past 30 years, bereaved families and officials impacted by social disasters, including the Sampoong Department Store disaster (1995), the Daegu subway disaster (2003), and the Sewol ferry disaster (2014), have come together to form the 'Disaster Victims' Coalition.' Survivors, seated in groups, spoke passionately at the launching ceremony held at the Space Moa Building in Jung-gu, Seoul. More than 120 families and officials from eight disasters, spanning from 1995 to 2017, united in their shared experiences and determination for solidarity. The survivors, previously scattered across the country, have found a common platform through the 4.16 Foundation since last year. Kim Kwang-joon, Chairman of the foundation, highlighted the evolving awareness of vict...