"Comfort Women": Victims of Japanese military Sexual Slavery : Wednesday demonstration

2014년 6월 12일 목요일

The 1130th Wednesday Demonstration

Every Wednesday, the Wednesday demonstration is held in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul. Yesterday (11/06/2014) was the 1130th Wednesday demonstration, and it was my second time to join the Wednesday demonstration.

Unlike the last time(28/05/2014), halmonis (Korean word for "Grandmother") came to the demonstration. Lee Yong-su halmoni and Kim Bok-dong halmoni joined the demonstration.

Few days ago, another victim of military slavery by Japan passed away. Now there are only 54 victims alive in Korea. About 20 years ago, there were 234 former comfort women alive, but now there are only 54 victims alive. Unfortunately, halmonis are not healthy. Most of them are very old and they are not in good health. They are running out of time. Every second is a countdown.

Many people joined the demonstration including halmonis, citizens, Korean council, journalists, foreigners, and the late Bae chun-hui halmoni.

Lee Yong-su halmoni stood up in front of the people, cried out and sent her last message to the late Bae chun-hui halmoni. Some people started to cry when halmoni said Bae's name out loud. I had mixed feelings of sadness and anger. I felt so sad because Bae halmoni passed away before the Japanese government makes an official apology. When will the Japanese government make formal and sincere apologies to halmonis? It seems like the government is hesitating to make a formal apology. They should admit and apologize without hesitation.

After the protest, I approached Lee Yong-su halmoni and sent my message. I told her to cheer up and stay healthy. Halmoni held my hands with her warm hand and said she is happy because people, especially students, still remember the victims and fight for the victims. Oh, I was so moved. I approached her to cheer her up, but her warm words and her hands cheered me up instead. I can still feel the warmth of her hand.

Halmoni, I love you and thank you so much. I support you
R.I.P Bae Chun-hui

2014년 6월 7일 토요일

After joining the Wednesday demonstration

On May 28th was the 1128th Wednesday demonstration. For those who want to know more about the 'Wednesday demonstration', click here. Our team joined the 1128th Wednesday demonstration.

The Wednesday demonstration is held on every Wednesday at noon in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul. It is hosted by Korean council. Victims desperately want justice. It has past 22 years since the first demonstration in 1992.

You can take the Seoul metro line 3 to "Anguk" station and take exit 1 or exit 6. The Japanese embassy is within 10 minutes walking distance from the station. Anyone can join the Wednesday demonstration.

Many people joined the Wednesday Demonstration. There were high school students, university students, foreigners, photographers etc. Students were holding signs written "Bring dignity to the victims!", "Official apology!" "There is no future for a nation who has forgotten their history" and so on.

[출처] After joining the Wednesday Demonstration|작성자 공모전 합창

This is a statue dedicated to the victims of military sexual slavery by Japan. The victims had gone through terrible and miserable times when they were young as the girl from the statue. What can you see from her face? I can see her anger and sadness. With clenched fists on her laps, she is sitting and looking quietly toward the Japanese embassy.

If you take a close look at the statue, the girl's hair is not the same length all around. Her unevenly cut hair shows the abrupt break from her family and home. The bird sitting on her shoulder represents freedom and peace. The bird is also a spiritual bridge that links us and the victims who have already passed away. The chair next to her is open to anyone so that people can sit right next to her at the same position as the women being remembered. The shadow of the statue looks like an old lady. This symbolizes the victims today. Also, it symbolizes the past and present is still connected.

Some participants shared their thoughts. I was deeply impressed by their speech. I was moved by the Japanese ladies' speech. They also sang Korean traditional song "Arirang", and it was very touching.

It was meaningful to join the Wednesday Demonstration. There is still hope because many people still remember the truth. Young students and even foreigners remember the truth, and they raised their voice for the victims.

[출처] After joining the Wednesday Demonstration|작성자 공모전 합창