Over the past two months, Koreans have been in mournful agony. Most of the time, we might live our lives just as though nothing happened, but we know we are deeply affected, likewise traumatized, by the memories of the Sewol ferry tragedy. It was not just an accident or simply a manmade disaster. Instead, it was proven to be an event that Korean society has given rise to over a long period of time. As the ferry sank, the deep-rooted evils of the Korean society emerged, and deep inside, as Koreans, we collectively shared the same sorrowful, regretful, and resentful mind.
Meanwhile, some individuals, especially many younger people, said they no longer want to stay in such a corrupt and powerless country. Their words are quite understandable as the younger generation is hardly responsible for the ingrained evils; rather, they are more likely to be considered victims.
But there is something to remember. While at the moment it seems like we, the young generation, are not powerful enough to bring about any visible changes in our society, what the future holds is definitely in our hands. We already know when our country had been taken away and when democracy had faded away, it was the young people of that generation, just like us, who brought the country back and fought for democracy. Indeed, most of the things we now take for granted have come from young people of the past.
Maybe we can do the same. We often underestimate our potential and believe that blaming is our best option. But we should realize how influential we can be, and how what we think can determine how we act, and how we act can be reflected in every change to come, just like the slogan for the yellow ribbon campaign—One small step can create a big miracle.
Now, it is time to move the yellow ribbon from our chests into our hearts. Harboring the hurt of Sewol ferry, we, the youth of our time, can be the ones to put an end to our society’s vicious circle.
 

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