On September 23, it was reported that the families of the deceased from the Sewol ferry tragedy have filed a lawsuit against the Korean government and the ferry company, Chonghaejin Marine, for the damages that they have caused.

During the press conference held by the families of the deceased, the members of the victims families stated, "We have filed a lawsuit to reveal the cause of Sewol Incident and to ask to take responsibility." 

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They continued, "It's already been 526 days since the incident, and yet nothing has been revealed. Through this lawsuit, we want a clear statement on the failed rescue and the cause of the tragedy, as well as the unfair treatment that the victims have faced following the tragedy, in addition to responsibility of the company and the Korean government. 

"The Special Investigation Committee were not able to work until recently and have received five investigation tasks two days ago. The Korean government announced the compensation prior to the one year anniversary (of the disaster), misleading the public. The families have decided this so that accidents like this will not occur again and to create a safer society." 

In the lawsuit, the bereaved families have asked the government and Chonghaejin Marine for 100,000,000 KRW (~$83,707 USD) for each family.