S. Korean PM resigns over slow response to Sewol ferry disaster

South Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-won has resigned amid criticism of government handling of the Sewol ferry disaster.

Hong-won took responsibility for the slow initial response to a ferry's sinking that left nearly 200 dead with scores more still missing.

The PM outlined his decision, and apologized to victims' families, in remarks on national television.

According to CNN, he said that during the search process, the government took inadequate measures and disappointed the public.

Hong-won added that he was taking responsibility for everything as the prime minister, but the government can assume no more. So he was resigning from the post.

Announcing his decision, Chung urged his countrymen to stand united, rather than divided.

Eleven days later, searchers are still looking for passengers and crew aboard the Sewol ferry. They have retrieved 187 bodies so far, with another 115 still missing, the report added.