이 대통령 “위안부 피해자 명예와 존엄 회복되도록 끝까지 책임”

On August 14, 1991, a significant day for the commemoration of those affected by the Japanese military's use of 'comfort women,' South Korean President Lee Myung-bak made a commitment to uphold the honor and dignity of the surviving victims. Despite the fear of facing more hardship, she stepped forward to share her story. This day, designated as a national commemoration, marks the first public testimony of Kim Hak-sun, grandmother, on August 14, 1991.

The ceremony, held at the Baekbeom Kimhuga Memorial Hall in Seoul's Jung-gu, featured a recital of testimonies based on the oral records of Kim Hak-sun, Hong Jeong-su, Gil Won-ok, Kim Hak-sun, Kim Bo-dong, and Yi Yong-su. President Lee Myung-bak stated that now only five 'comfort women' survivors remain, while acknowledging that efforts to deny history or tarnish the victims' honor continue.

The government has taken legal measures to protect the honor and dignity of the survivors since last June, with the passage of the 'comfort women' survivor protection law.

The official also emphasized that these efforts have effectively dismantled the barricade that had previously surrounded the 'Patriotic Women' protest movement, which had long stood in front of the statue of a girl symbolizing peace. During this ceremony, in addition to the moving memorial performances, the '2026 Japan Military 'Comfort Women' Survivor-related Youth Art Competition' award ceremony took place. This year, out of 626 submissions nationwide, 22 works were selected as the winners.