Yoon Mi-hyang Shouts "Oppose Removal of Berlin Comfort Women Statue"... Netizens Criticize Her as "Shameless"

113 National Assembly Members Including Yoon Mi-hyang Deliver Letter Urging to Protect German 'Comfort Woman' Statue
Germany Postpones Removal of 'Statue of Peace'

On the morning of the 13th, in front of the German Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul, lawmakers including Yoon Mee-hyang of the Democratic Party of Korea posed before delivering a letter from South Korean lawmakers hoping that the Berlin Peace Statue of the Girl will be preserved. From the left, Democratic Party members Yoon Mee-hyang, Lee Soo-jin, Yoon Joon-byung, and Lee Kyu-min.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Amid activities by ruling party lawmakers, including Yoon Mi-hyang of the Democratic Party of Korea, opposing the removal of the 'Statue of Peace' installed in Mitte District, Berlin, Germany, some netizens are voicing criticism against Yoon, who has been involved in activities related to comfort women victims. They argue that continuing such actions while allegations of embezzlement of funds from the Justice and Memory Foundation (Jeonguiyeondae) remain unresolved is inappropriate.

Some Democratic Party lawmakers have posted photos on their Facebook pages since the 11th holding signs that read "Oppose the removal of the Berlin Statue of Peace."

The sign reads, "Berlin, be brave! The statue of peace must stay! Protect the Berlin Statue of Peace. We oppose the removal of the Berlin Statue of Peace. I oppose the removal of the Berlin Statue of Peace."

In addition, they posted a Blue House (Cheongwadae) national petition titled 'Please stop the removal of the Statue of Peace,' along with the address of a related German petition site and the hashtag '#OpposeStatueRemoval.'

Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang is organizing materials while attending the National Assembly inspection of the Central Environmental Dispute Mediation Committee and others at the Environment and Labor Committee held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Some lawmakers even visited the German Embassy in Korea in person. On the morning of the 13th, Yoon Mi-hyang, along with Yoon Jun-byeong, Lee Gyu-min, and Lee Su-jin, visited the German Embassy in Korea to deliver a letter protesting Germany's order to remove the 'Statue of Peace.'

The joint letter, reportedly first proposed by Yoon, included participation from a total of 113 lawmakers, including Democratic Party floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon, Song Young-gil, Woo Won-shik, Kwon In-sook, Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong, and Basic Income Party lawmaker Yong Hye-in.

The letter they delivered reportedly expressed deep regret and concern, stating that "it would be a regrettable event to write a history of human rights violations in Berlin."

However, some have expressed critical views regarding Yoon's actions. They argue that resuming activities related to comfort women victims is inappropriate while allegations surrounding Yoon and Jeonguiyeondae remain unresolved. Yoon is currently indicted on charges including embezzlement of Jeonguiyeondae funds.

Comments on articles related to Yoon include remarks such as, "I oppose the removal of the statue, but Yoon Mi-hyang should not be involved. She should reflect quietly and await the judgment of the law," "Yoon Mi-hyang, do you realize that because of you, the comfort women issue has faded and many civil society members who stood against Japan's atrocities have been harmed? Resign now," "Yoon Mi-hyang is truly shameless. How shameless can one be... Even if others take turns, it's one thing...," and "I cannot trust because of Yoon Mi-hyang."

Meanwhile, the 'Statue of Peace' installed in Berlin's Mitte District was set up by the Korean community organization Korea Council last month on the 25th. However, the district office requested its removal, citing that the inscription on the statue, which details the forced mobilization of Japanese comfort women, creates tension between Germany and Japan.

In response to the controversy, the Berlin city government issued a press release on the 13th (local time) titled "The controversial 'Statue of Peace' will remain in place for the time being" on its website. The Mitte District authorities stated, "The deadline for dismantling the statue will no longer be enforced," and decided to allow the statue to remain installed for the time being.