Prosecution demands the death sentence for captain of Sewol ferry

For months, the captain of the Sewol ferry that tragically capsized back on April 16, killing hundreds of passengers including high school students on a field trip to Jeju Island, has been awaiting punishment for shirking his responsibilities and leaving countless passengers aboard to die while he abandoned ship.

On October 27, the beginning of the final trial for fifteen people, including Captain Lee Joon Seok and other crew members, took place.  On this day, the death penalty was put on the table as the prosecutor demanded it as punishment for the captain, causing him to tearfully make an apology.  Keep in mind, while capital punishment is legal in South Korea, it is extremely rare.

The prosecutor demanded this was just, claiming that the consequence of 304 casualties and the pain he left on the bereaved families were too grave and that he committed homicide through negligent behavior.  In addition, the prosecutor demanded life sentences for three other crew members consisting of the chief engineer, chief mate, and second mate for homicide while demanding 15 to 30 years in prison for the remaining crew members.  

The prosecutor condemned the captain for failing to do his duties according to regulations and water rescue acts, rather standing by and watching without making any effort to take action.

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In his testimony following the final trial, Lee Joon Suk said, "I bow my heads to the bereaved families of the deceased and I self-reflect and apologize.  No matter what I say right now, I doubt I'd easily relieve the resentment in the hearts of the bereaved family members, but I will self-reflect and pray for the repose of their souls until the day I die." Tearfully, he continued, "It was my first time having such a huge incident like this during the decades I lived as a captain.  I was so taken aback that I couldn't get ahold of my senses.  When I look back at it, it was very deplorable and unreasonable."

Netizens responded to this news bitterly, saying they couldn't bear to look at him and his excuse was feeble.  What are your thoughts?  Do you think he deserves the death penalty?