Gwangsan District Council of Gwangju Joins 'Citizen Fundraising Campaign for Historical Justice'

Donation of 1 Million Won to the Ilje Gangje Dongwon Citizens' Association

The Gwangsan District Council of Gwangju Metropolitan City (Chairman Kim Tae-wan) joined the "Citizen Fundraising Movement for Historical Justice" supporting the victims of forced labor during the Japanese occupation who are fighting against the government's "third-party compensation plan."

On the 8th, the Gwangsan District Council visited the Corporation for Citizens' Association for Forced Mobilization during Japanese Occupation (Chairman Lee Guk-eon) and donated 1 million won raised through the "Citizen Fundraising for Historical Justice."

The "Citizen Fundraising for Historical Justice" was launched on June 29, led by the "Korea-Japan Historical Justice and Peace Action," a coalition of over 600 civic groups nationwide. Active fundraising efforts are underway across the country, and the collected funds are scheduled to be delivered to the victims and their families around the 15th of this month in the first round.

On July 17, during the 1st plenary session of the 281st extraordinary meeting, Councilor Kim Myung-soo proposed participation in the fundraising movement through a five-minute free speech, initiating an internal fundraising campaign. About 50 district council members and staff voluntarily participated and collected donations.

Chairman Kim Tae-wan said, "I deplore the government's misguided actions that record incorrect history, and I willingly extended my hand hoping that the elderly victims of forced labor during the Japanese occupation do not lose courage," adding, "The Gwangsan District Council will stand with the elders in their courageous fight to protect human rights and properly realize historical justice until the end."

Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Il-sang yjm3070@asiae.co.kr