By Soh Ji-young
Staff Reporter

Families of the scientists reported missing in the Antarctic on Monday responded with utter shock and despair at the news of the boat disaster while continuing to hold hopes that a miracle could bring them to safety.

``He’s my only son,’’ sobbed Chon Ik-hwan, the 55-year-old father of Jeon Jae-gyu, one of the eight missing researchers of King Sejong Station.

Chon, a 27-year-old graduate student of Seoul National University, was one of the five scientists who went out to sea on Sunday to save their fellow researchers whom they had lost contact with. He joined the Sejong base research team for the first time last month.

``Jae-kyu spent his entire life studying. What am I going to do if I never see my son?’’ Chon cried in anguish.

Unable to believe the news, other families of the missing scientists cried and expressed frustration that the only thing they can do was to wait for any news regarding their loved-ones’ whereabouts.

Chang Young-ae, the mother of researcher Kim Jeong-han collapsed upon hearing the news of her only son’s disappearance. He had left for the Antarctic only last month for a 13-month stay.

Kim’s family held out hope that he might still be alive after hearing that he was one of the three scientists whose last communication with the base was made from land.

Other family members of the King Sejong Station researchers appeared visibly shaken and declined to speak with reporters.

Upon the news of the tragedy, words of encouragement flooded the web site of the King Sejong research station wishing for the safe return of the scientists.

jysoh@koreatimes.co.kr