President Lee Vows Full Efforts to Restore Honor and Dignity of 'Comfort Women' Victims

"So That Human Rights Become Common Sense and Peace Becomes a Part of Daily Life"
34 Years Ago, the Late Kim Haksoon Testified as a Victim of Japanese Military 'Comfort Women'... President Lee's Facebook Message

On August 14, President Lee Jaemyung stated, "We will make every effort to fully restore the honor and dignity of the victims of the 'comfort women.' I promise to create a country where human rights are common sense, peace is a part of daily life, and justice is truly alive."

Statue of the late Kim Haksoon, a victim of the Japanese military 'comfort women,' at 'Nanum House' in Gwangju, Gyeonggi.

President Lee made these remarks in a Facebook message titled "So That the Light Regained Through Courage and Solidarity Does Not Go Out," noting, "Today, 34 years ago, the late Kim Haksoon broke her long silence and came forward to testify about her suffering as a victim of the Japanese military 'comfort women.'" He added, "Her testimony not only exposed the horrors of wartime sexual violence, but was also a fundamental and solemn appeal that human dignity must never be violated, even in the most extreme circumstances."

President Lee continued, "Her courage awakened the conscience of the international community beyond our borders and sparked a wave of solidarity. It was a ray of light that pierced the darkness of a painful history and proved that truth can change the world." He emphasized, "We must never forget this noble courage. Just as there is no future for a nation that forgets its history, it is our solemn duty to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated."

President Lee went on to say, "Although this year marks the 80th anniversary of Liberation, the victims of the 'comfort women' have yet to enjoy true freedom and peace. This is because, despite the passage of so many years, the issue of the 'comfort women' remains unresolved. Liberation cannot be complete as long as historical truth is not upheld." He concluded, "I bow my head in deep respect to the grandmothers who have been beacons of truth and courage. I sincerely wish health and peace to all six survivors who are still with us, including Lee Yongsoo, Park Pilgeun, Kang Ilchul, and Kim Kyunga."