Governor Kim Youngrok: "We Must Remember the Pain of the Japanese Military Comfort Women Victims"

Governor Kim Youngrok Honors the Pain of 'Comfort Women' Victims
Jeollanam-do Pledges to Restore Historical Justice and Human Rights
Memorial Ceremony and Cultural Event Held in Mokpo for Comfort Women Memorial Day

Kim Youngrok Jeonnam Governor

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, stated, "We will take the lead in remembering the pain of the victims of the Japanese military 'comfort women' and in spreading proper historical awareness."

On August 14, Governor Kim released a message titled "Comfort Women Memorial Day: Remembering Together, Moving Forward Together." He expressed his respect for the courage of the victims who suffered after being forcibly taken during the Japanese occupation and for their bravery in revealing the truth to the world.

Comfort Women Memorial Day was designated as a national memorial day in 2017 to commemorate the late Kim Haksoon, who, on August 14, 1991, became the first to testify publicly about her experience as a victim of the Japanese military 'comfort women.'

Of the 240 victims of the Japanese military 'comfort women' registered with the government, only six are still alive as of the article's publication date, and the actual number of victims has yet to be fully determined. In Jeollanam-do, there were two victims (from Haenam and Damyang), but both have since passed away.

Governor Kim stated, "As we mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, it is a time to both recall the joy of liberation and confront the wounds of history that have yet to heal. Only when the victims' honor is fully restored and historical justice is realized will the true meaning of liberation be complete."

He continued, "Last November, Jeollanam-do established an institutional foundation by enacting an ordinance for commemorative projects for the victims of the 'comfort women.' We will continue to strive to uncover, document, and preserve historical materials related to the victims, and, through education and public awareness activities, ensure that this painful history is remembered by all. Together, we will build a future where human rights and peace are alive and thriving."

On this day, Jeollanam-do held a ceremony in front of the Statue of Peace at the Modern History Museum Hall 1 in Mokpo to remember the pain of the victims and to reaffirm the values of human rights and peace.

The ceremony, hosted by Jeollanam-do and organized by the Mokpo Peace Committee, was attended by around 100 people, including representatives from Jeollanam-do, the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council, Mokpo City, Mokpo City Council, and civic groups. The event began with a memorial ritual for the victims, followed by a commemorative ceremony, a cultural memorial event, and the reading of a joint declaration.