Why Does South Korea Hold Its Own Memorial Ceremony for Sado Mine Forced Labor Victims?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On November 21, South Korea hosted a poignant memorial ceremony on Sado Island in Japan to honor Korean victims of forced labor during World War II. This marks the second year South Korea has chosen to commemorate separately from Japan, highlighting ongoing tensions over historical grievances. The event underscores the enduring pain of the past and the quest for remembrance.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea held a separate memorial to honor Korean forced labor victims.
- Unresolved tensions persist between South Korea and Japan regarding historical acknowledgment.
- Ambassador Lee Hyuk emphasized remembrance and empathy.
- Over 1,500 Koreans were forced to work at the Sado mines during WWII.
- Japan plans to hold annual memorials after UNESCO recognition.
Sado Island, Nov 21 (NationPress) South Korea commemorated the victims of forced labor from Korea at a gold and silver mining complex during World War II with a memorial ceremony in Japan on Friday. This marks the second consecutive year that South Korea has organized its own event separate from the official ceremony held by Japan.
Seoul opted to abstain from attending this year's memorial hosted by Japan due to unresolved differences regarding the acknowledgment of Korean workers' suffering and the issue of forced labor.
The memorial, organized by the South Korean Embassy in Tokyo, was held at a hotel on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, attended by 11 family members of the labor victims.
South Korean Ambassador to Japan Lee Hyuk honored the memory of the workers, expressing condolences to their families. He stated, "Over 80 years ago, numerous Korean workers were forcibly brought to Sado Island through recruitment or conscription facilitated by the Japanese governor-general of Korea, enduring grueling conditions."
He added, "Contemplating the past pain and engaging in this act of remembrance will enhance our empathy and facilitate healing."
Japan has committed to conducting the memorial event annually following the Sado mines' designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2024.
South Korea had previously boycotted Japan's event last year, referencing Japan's perceived insincerity in honoring the victims and its refusal to adequately acknowledge their suffering in the memorial speech, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Historically, the Sado mines, renowned from the 17th to 19th centuries, were primarily used to supply war materials for the Japanese imperial army during World War II. It is estimated that over 1,500 Koreans were subjected to forced labor at the mines from 1940-1945, during Korea's colonial subjugation by Japan.
Japan also conducted its own memorial ceremony for Sado in September.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize South Korea's commitment to honoring its history and the victims of forced labor. This memorial underscores the importance of remembrance in nurturing empathy and healing, despite the ongoing political complexities with Japan.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did South Korea hold its own memorial ceremony?
South Korea chose to hold its own memorial ceremony to emphasize the importance of acknowledging the suffering of Korean laborers during World War II, which was not fully recognized in Japan's official event.
What historical significance do the Sado mines hold?
The Sado mines were significant for their role in producing war supplies for the Japanese imperial army during World War II, where many Koreans were forced to work under harsh conditions.
How many Koreans were forced into labor at the Sado mines?
It is estimated that over 1,500 Koreans were subjected to forced labor at the Sado mines between 1940 and 1945.
What actions has Japan taken regarding the memorial?
Japan has committed to holding an annual memorial event following the designation of the Sado mines as a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2024.
What was the reaction from South Korea regarding Japan's memorial?
South Korea boycotted Japan's memorial last year, citing a lack of sincerity in addressing the historical suffering of the victims.
