A Japanese civic group has expressed its support for Gwangju City's decision to establish the 'Citizens' History Museum on Japanese Forced Mobilization (tentative name)' within the historical and cultural park on the former Jeonnam and Ilsin Textile sites.
The "Nagoya Mitsubishi Korean Women's Volunteer Labor Lawsuit Support Group," which operates in Japan, released a statement on the 17th, saying, "The construction of the museum is welcome news for all those demanding the human rights and dignity of victims of Japanese imperialist colonial rule," adding, "It is also an encouragement to us, who have supported the victims' struggle."
The group further stated, "The construction of the museum in Gwangju and the effort to have the records of the late Lee Geumju, the president of the Gwangju Association of Bereaved Families of Pacific War Victims, inscribed by UNESCO, are meaningful acts that reveal and document the realities of Japanese imperialism and militarism, ensuring they are passed on to future generations," and evaluated, "This will also become a symbol of historical justice for the Japanese public."
The "Network for Fact-Finding on Forced Mobilization," composed of organizations, individuals, and researchers working across Japan to resolve the issue of forced mobilization, also emphasized in a statement released the previous day, "Gwangju's decision is a historic step toward restoring the dignity of the victims and preserving their memory."
The network added, "The records left by the bereaved families' association are valuable materials that reveal the realities of forced mobilization," and stated, "These materials should be widely disclosed, and the dignity of the victims must be restored through the establishment of the museum."
On August 13, to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's Liberation Day, Gwangju City decided to build the museum on the Jeonnam and Ilsin Textile sites, which are the only remaining industrial facilities from the Japanese colonial period in the region.
The city is also pursuing the inscription of President Lee Geumju's records on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. In addition, Gwangju is discussing the construction of a memorial tower for veterans in Sangmu Citizens' Park in Seo-gu.
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