Demonstrators rallied up near the Japanese embassy in Seoul, capital of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Wednesday, demanding that Japan acknowledge the history of aggression and apologize for its wartime crimes, including operation of the "comfort women" sexual slavery system.
The rally marked the 1,772nd "Wednesday Demonstration," a protest held every week since 1992 to amplify the voices of "comfort women" victims and call for peace and women's rights.
On December 14, 2011, in commemoration of the 1,000th "Wednesday Demonstration," ROK civic groups installed the Peace Statue facing the Japanese embassy to project the importance of empathy, which has gained widespread public support.
In addition to members of civic groups supporting "comfort women" victims, many teachers and students also participated in the demonstration, holding placards reading "official apology" and "legal compensation."
"As a teacher, I teach children and teenagers about the memorial day for 'comfort women' and the Japanese military's sexual slavery system because we bear the responsibility for preventing such historical tragedies from happening again," said Kim Yu-ri, a teacher of the Seoul Samgaksan Fun School.
"Japan did something wrong, but it hasn't apologized yet. We've already held 1,772 'Wednesday Demonstrations,' and they still haven't apologized. That's why we're working even harder to continue holding these rallies," said Kwon Ye-eun, a student of the Seoul Samgaksan Fun School.
In an interview during the event, Kim recounted a meeting with "comfort women" victims during her university years, which left her determined to tell this history to the next generation.
"In my first year in college, I once met with grandmas who were victims of the 'comfort women' sexual slavery system, and have since kept this memory in my mind. Later, I became a teacher, and I feel obligated to tell children and teenagers about the Japanese military's sexual slavery system. Japan should thoroughly reflect on its past mistakes in wars and under other circumstances," Kim said.
The demonstration was also joined by a U.S. tourist, who said the event is very meaningful, as it makes more people aware of the history of "comfort women."
"It was important to do this to get the message out about 'comfort women' and just women suffering. We just need to get the message out, because I know other things are trying to repress it. And so, we just want to try to keep it going, keep it alive. So, it's important," said Terry, the tourist.
South Korean demonstrators urge Japan to face up to history of aggression
South Korean demonstrators urge Japan to face up to history of aggression
