How Will South Korea's President Address the Grievances of Wartime Victims?
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Synopsis
On August 14, President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea made a powerful commitment to address the grievances of Korean women forced into sexual slavery during WWII. As the nation remembers the victims, Lee emphasizes the importance of restoring their dignity and the incomplete liberation from colonial rule. Discover the profound implications of his pledges.
Key Takeaways
- President Lee Jae Myung commits to restoring victims' honour and dignity.
- Up to 200,000 women were forced into sexual slavery during WWII.
- Only six survivors remain in South Korea.
- August 14 is a memorial day for the victims.
- Lee emphasizes the need for justice and human rights.
Seoul, Aug 14 (NationPress) South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung pledged on Thursday to tackle the enduring grievances of Korean women who were subjected to sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. He emphasized his commitment to restoring the victims' honour and dignity.
Historians estimate that as many as 200,000 women, primarily from Korea, were forced into sexual servitude in front-line Japanese brothels during the conflict when Korea was under Japanese colonial rule.
These sex slaves, referred to as “comfort women”, have seen their numbers dwindle as the last surviving victims age, with only six remaining in South Korea, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
On the memorial day commemorating these victims, Lee remarked that the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japan’s colonial domination 80 years ago remains “incomplete until the truth is set straight.”
“While this year marks the 80th anniversary of our liberation, the comfort women victims still face a lack of freedom and peace due to the unresolved nature of this issue, even decades later,” Lee shared on Facebook.
Designated in 2017, the Aug. 14 memorial day honors the late Kim Hak-sun, who was the first to publicly testify about her experiences as a victim on August 14, 1991.
“It was Kim’s bravery that stirred the conscience of the international community and initiated a wave of solidarity,” he remarked.
He committed to making exhaustive efforts to “fully restore the honour and dignity” of the victims, envisioning a nation where “human rights are common sense.”
Aug. 14 also coincides with the eve of Liberation Day, which commemorates the end of the Japanese colonization of Korea from 1910 to 1945.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge that the issues surrounding wartime sexual slavery remain sensitive and complex. The South Korean government's commitment to addressing these grievances reflects a growing recognition of historical injustices. It is imperative that this dialogue continues to promote healing and accountability, fostering a future where human rights are respected and upheld.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of August 14 in South Korea?
August 14 is designated as a memorial day to honor the victims of wartime sexual slavery, specifically commemorating the bravery of Kim Hak-sun, the first survivor to testify publicly about her experiences.
How many comfort women are currently alive in South Korea?
Currently, there are only six surviving comfort women in South Korea, highlighting the urgency of addressing their grievances before it is too late.
What actions has President Lee Jae Myung pledged?
President Lee has promised to make every effort to restore the honour and dignity of the victims of sexual slavery and to ensure that human rights are prioritized in South Korea.
What does the term 'comfort women' refer to?
The term 'comfort women' refers to women, primarily Koreans, who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II.
What is the historical context of the comfort women issue?
The issue of comfort women is rooted in Japan's colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945, during which many women were coerced into sexual servitude in military brothels.
