The April 16 choir and civic choir, consisting of 304 people, unfold paper with the names of the 304 victims fo Sewol Ferry Tragedy. (Photo: 416 Foundation)

This April 16th was the 9th anniversary of the Sewol Ferry Tragedy. On a rainy day nine years ago, the Sewol Ferry heading to Jeju Island sank killing 304 victims. On April 16th, 2015, a year after the tragedy, April 16th was designated as "National Safety Day," so as to prevent tragedies like the Sewol Ferry from recurring. Has our society, however, become safer in the last nine years? Another tragedy occurred in Itaewon on October 29th last year, not to mention numerous workers who lost their lives at work.

In addition, the struggle to find out the truth and punish those responsible for the Sewol Ferry Tragedy, which is still ongoing  after nine years. Trials are still underway to bring justice to those responsible for killing 304 people; though only one person has been convicted so far. What about the Itaewon Tragedy? The special parliamentary committee's investigation into the Itaewon tragedy through the National Assembly was conducted for 55 days, but no proper investigation was conducted due to insufficient data, lack of cooperation from the government, and a short investigation period. Therefore, a few days ago, at the request of the Association of the Victims of the October 29 Itaewon Tragedy’s Families, the three opposition parties jointly proposed the "Special Act on the Investigation of the Truth of the October 29 Itaewon Tragedy."  

Months and years after the tragedies, the struggle of victims’ families, social movements, civil societies, and people to find out the truth and punish those responsible continues. We can continue with such strength because the tragedy is still fresh in the minds of victims’ families and the public. But there are also forces trying to erase these memories. In 2021, the Seoul Metropolitan Government confronted citizens after announcing it would remove Sewol Ferry memory space in Gwanghwamun Square. Now the Seoul Metropolitan Government has continued to demand the demolition of the Itaewon memorial altar built in Seoul Square in February.

It is important to remember the tragedies in the result of state violence or the neglect of state responsibility, because memory has power. During Argentina's military dictatorship of Jorge Videla from 1976 to 1983, the government indiscriminately suppressed leftist figures as anti-government forces, killing more than 3,000 people and leaving 30,000 missing. During this period called the "Dirty Wars," a lot of mothers and grandmothers lost their sons and daughters. So they continue struggling to find out the truth and punish those responsible for the loss of their children. Through their efforts this history has been recorded and remembered, making the site of state violence a memorial park. This place has become a learning place where people can learn about anti-war, peace, and human rights.

History will not be repeated because there are people who remember, and society can progress because those people will act. If we can all remember and act, the power to make these changes will be greater. Let's put our all into the ongoing struggles to find truth and bring justice to those responsible!

• Before the US… Yoon’s presidential office officially states that “The eavesdropping accusation is a baseless lie”.

In response to accusations that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was illegally eavesdropping, the presidential office stated that they were “obviously groundless false accusations” before confirming the facts. Both U.S. and Korea’s secretaries of defense agreed that “a considerable number of the relevant documents were forged”, and adding that they would strengthen the Korea-US alliance.

Regardless of these accusations, the Korean government is pushing to reinforce the Korea-USA alliance with no request of a statement from the USA regarding exactly what took place. 

This sort of attitude is not one of a sovereign nation. If there is an accusation that one country’s intelligence agency is illegally eavesdropping on another country’s president, a clear measure about the accusation is necessary. It is not an issue that can be brushed aside in defense of the Korea-USA alliance. As a sovereign state, clear action is needed.

On the 16th (local time), Germany suspended the operation of the last three nuclear power plants and declared that it would abandon nuclear power. According to local media such as Deutsche Welle, Germany shut down its last three nuclear power plants at midnight on the 16th. Germany plans to increase its dependence on solar and wind power generation as it phases out nuclear power plants. 

Some argue that nuclear power plants should be classified as eco-friendly energy because they are suitable for responding to climate change. They claim that nuclear power is cheaper develop and does not generate the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide compared to renewable energy such as fossil fuels, solar and wind power. Even within the EU opinions are divided over nuclear power plants.

Germany's suspension of nuclear power plants is a very meaningful example of Europe, and I hope that it will influence our nuclear policy.

• President Lula of Brazil’s State Visit to China
• On his US Visit, President Yun is Accompanied by a Large Economic Delegation… Including Four Major Groups Among 122 Companies
• Japan's local elections expand right-wing 'Japanese Yushinhoe' forces ··Kishida states "I will stay alert"
• The U.S. Producer Price Index has its biggest drop in 3 Years… the March PPI was 0.5%↓

Platform Capitalism is a set of economic tendencies that emerged with the rise of digital platforms (e.g. Amazon, Google, Facebook, Uber...). Platforms collect user data while facilitating the exchange of goods. This gives them great near-insurmountable advantages

[April Progressive Forum]

Platform Capitalism

Platform companies collect, analyze, process, and sell our data to generate profits. How was platform capitalism born? What are its characteristics? What are its effects on our lives? The International Strategy Center and the Justice Party member-forum Progressives for All are co-hosting a progressive forum with Nick Srnicek: author of "Platform Capitalism" and lecturer at King's College London on digital economy, platform industry, political economy. Please pass the word along to others that might be interested.

• Date: April 28 (Fri) 7:30 p.m
• Program: Interview with Nick Srnicek + Audience Q&A

* We will send you a zoom after you RSVP

* The Progressive Forum will be conducted through English-Korean and Korean-English sequential interpretation.

[May Progressive Forum]

Platform Socialism