The 2014 Sewol ferry disaster in South Korea was a devastating tragedy that claimed 296 lives, mostly high school students, after the ship capsized due to overloading and poor handling. Mismanagement and delayed rescue efforts worsened the crisis, as passengers were instructed to remain in place while the crew, including the captain, abandoned ship. Media misinformation and government inaction fueled public outrage, leading to mass protests and lasting mistrust. The event exposed deep flaws in safety protocols, governance, and the media. Even years later, the tragedy left profound scars on survivors, victims' families, and the nation, symbolizing the price of negligence and systemic failure.