Kim Gura Gives a Stern Rebuke to Far-Right Figure Who Mocked 'Comfort Women'

On the 23rd, broadcaster Kim Gura met far-right politician Sakurai Makoto on JTBC variety show 'Maknagasho'.
/Photo by JTBC broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] Broadcaster Kim Gura sharply criticized a far-right figure who performed a mocking act involving the Girl Statue.

On the 23rd, on JTBC's Experience! People's Field 'Maknagashow,' Kim Gura met with far-right group Zaitokukai's former president and current leader of the Japan First Party, Sakurai Makoto, along with history activist Professor Seo Kyung-duk from the Department of Liberal Arts at Sungshin Women's University.

When Kim Gura asked, "What was the reason for Zaitokukai's anti-Korean activities?" Sakurai Makoto replied, "As a Japanese, of course, I am angry. Korea should stop to a reasonable extent. Because you don't stop, we don't stop either."

Kim Gura then asked about Sakurai Makoto's mocking performance of the Girl Statue in October last year, "Did you do it knowing the meaning of the Girl Statue?" Sakurai Makoto responded, "What is it that you don't like? Isn't it based on a girl killed by the U.S. military?"

Sakurai Makoto said, "You used it as a symbol of comfort women, didn't you? We call it the Prostitute Statue. Please translate it clearly as 'prostitute.' They received money during the war," to which Kim Gura could not hide his angry expression.

Kim Gura sharply rebuked, "(Aren't you) engaging in political activities? Isn't making continuous anti-Korean remarks a serious disqualification as a politician?" In response, Sakurai Makoto left without saying a word.