South Koreans mortified by massacre; hope for calm and safety for Koreans in US

[Bluebear]

South Korean citizens participate in a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre in front of Seoul City Hall Wednesday, April 18, 2007.


SEOUL, South Korea (UPI) -- South Koreans, who were jubilant Tuesday night over their country`s winning the right to host the 2014 Asian Games, rapidly fell into shock following reports that a South Korean native was responsible for the mass killing at a U.S. university.

In Seoul, there was much shock at the scale of the shootings and sympathy for the victims. People also expressed concerns over a possible racial backlash against South Koreans who account for about 15 percent of foreign students in the United States...

'I and the entire South Korean nation were severely shocked by the tragic incident that occurred at Virginia Tech University. We feel a deep bitterness,' President Roh said in the message. 'I want to deliver my sincere words of consolation to the families of the killed and injured and all U.S. people. I hope U.S. society would quickly overcome its sorrow and regain calmness.'

'I`m worried this incident may bring a curse to all South Koreans,' said Lee Sang-tae, whose daughter lives in California. 'The government should make all-out efforts to ensure the safety of South Korean students and residents in the United States,' he said.

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/features/article_1293215.php/S._Korea_grapples_with_killings

About 130 people gathered at Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul, casting their heads low as they sang sad hymns and prayed for the souls of those killed. A small table adorned with white flowers, candles and a US flag was set up in the center of the chapel in memory of the victims.

"As a mother myself, my heart really aches as if it happened to my own children," said Bang Myung-lan, a 48-year-old housewife, holding back tears. "As a Korean, I am deeply sorry for the deceased."

"Among the 32 killed were bright students who could have contributed greatly to society, and it's a big loss for all of us," Cardinal Nicolas Cheong Jin-suk told parishioners. "As a South Korean, I can't help feeling apologetic about how a Korean man caused such a shocking incident."

The cardinal said everyone should work together to prevent a recurrence of "such an unfortunate event." "It is beyond my understanding how such a thing can occur - especially to think a Korean is responsible for this," said 68-year-old Lee Chun-ja after the service. "It really tears my heart. Something like this should never happen again."

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-04/19/content_854538.htm