Could the Number of Koreans on the 1945 Sunken Japanese Ship Be Revealed by Year-End?
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Synopsis
The analysis of passenger lists from a Japanese ship that sank in 1945, killing thousands of Koreans, is expected to unveil the number of victims by the year's end. With doubts surrounding the accuracy of the data provided, families are determined to uncover the full truth of this tragedy.
Key Takeaways
- Over 3,000 lives were lost when the Ukishima Maru sank.
- The analysis of passenger lists is set to conclude soon.
- Families of victims are seeking independent verification of the findings.
- Concerns about the accuracy of data provided by Japan persist.
- The tragedy occurred shortly after Korea's liberation from colonial rule.
Seoul, Nov 23 (NationPress) The anticipated count of Koreans aboard a Japanese vessel that tragically sank in 1945, resulting in the deaths of over 3,000 individuals, is expected to be disclosed by the end of this year. This information follows a thorough examination of passenger lists, as stated by the interior ministry on Sunday.
The government has engaged the Foundation for Victims of Forced Mobilisation by Imperial Japan to conduct a detailed review of 75 passenger lists and associated documents obtained from the Japanese foreign ministry from September of last year to March of this year.
The review is projected to conclude by mid-December, after the interior ministry addresses duplicate entries and corrects any inaccuracies or mistranslations. Presently, the documentation lists a total of 18,300 individuals, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
The Ukishima Maru was transporting Koreans, many of whom had been forcibly conscripted for wartime labor, back to their homeland in August 1945, shortly after Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule (1910-1945). The ship sank off the coast of Japan's Aomori Prefecture following an explosion in its hull.
Japan reported that the vessel struck an underwater mine, claiming that 524 of the 3,700 passengers on board perished in what it deemed an accident.
However, the families of the Korean victims assert that more than 3,000 lives were lost, out of as many as 8,000 aboard, alleging that Japan intentionally detonated the ship.
Even with the forthcoming analysis results, the families may reject them, as they are primarily based on information provided by the Japanese government.
"We must await the analysis results," said Han Yeong-ryong, leader of an association representing the families of Ukishima victims. "We cannot rely solely on what Japan supplies; this is an opportunity to uncover the full truth."
The foundation conducting the review has also expressed doubts that the analysis will yield the precise number of passengers aboard the ship.
"We need to acquire additional evidence from Japan or conduct an extensive survey of the victims' families to validate the figures," an official from the foundation conveyed to Yonhap News Agency.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of transparency and accuracy in the investigation of this historical tragedy. The families of the victims deserve clarity and closure, and any analysis must be comprehensive and independent to ensure that the truth is uncovered.
NationPress
23/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Ukishima Maru?
The Ukishima Maru sank off Japan's Aomori Prefecture in August 1945, following an explosion that caused significant loss of life among its passengers, many of whom were Koreans returning home after being forcibly mobilized for wartime labor.
How many people were believed to be on board?
Estimates suggest that as many as 8,000 individuals were aboard the Ukishima Maru at the time of its sinking.
What is the government doing about this tragedy?
The South Korean government has commissioned a detailed analysis of passenger lists to ascertain the number of Koreans on the ship and clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Why do families doubt the analysis results?
Families are skeptical about the analysis results as they rely heavily on data provided by the Japanese government, which they believe may not accurately reflect the true number of victims.
What are the next steps in this investigation?
The analysis is expected to conclude by mid-December, but the families are calling for additional evidence and independent verification to ensure that the findings are credible.
