Barricades Around 'Statue of Peace' Removed After Six Years

For nearly six years, the Statue of Peace, a poignant symbol of the victims of Japanese military sexual slavery, stood behind police barricades near the former Japanese Embassy in Seoul. This physical barrier, erected in June 2020, was a response to escalating provocations from far-right groups who sought to undermine the weekly rallies demanding justice for these wartime atrocities. The installation was a necessary measure, requested by Justice for Peace (Jeongui-yeon), to protect the statue from potential desecration.

Now, as the intensity of counter-demonstrations has waned, particularly following the arrest of a prominent figure leading anti-comfort women rallies, the barricades have finally been dismantled. The scene at the 1751st regular Wednesday Demonstration was one of liberation and remembrance. Activists from Jeongui-yeon meticulously cleaned the statue, adorning it with a purple floral crown symbolizing peace. Citizens gathered, holding signs that declared, 'The Japanese government must acknowledge its war crimes and take legal responsibility' and 'The history we are making is justice.'

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The empty chair beside the statue remained unoccupied for too long. Other peace statues in different regions were insulted with black plastic and masks of hatred, and overseas statues also suffered the indignity of being removed or relocated under pressure from the Japanese government. But the citizens did not give up. Finally, today, we remove the barricades.

Jeongui-yeon's chairperson, Han Kyung-hee, spoke of the long struggle, noting how an empty chair beside the statue remained unoccupied for too long, a stark reminder of the victims' suffering. She highlighted the indignities faced by other statues, both domestically and abroad, which have been subjected to insults and even removal under pressure from the Japanese government. "But the citizens did not give up," she declared, her voice resonating with the collective will of those who have tirelessly advocated for truth and accountability. The removal of the barricades marks a significant moment, allowing the statue to stand freely once more.

One attendee, Kwon Jang-hee, shared her emotional response: "Every time I visited, I felt uneasy, as if the statue was imprisoned. Now, the statue looks peaceful. I hope many people will come and hold its hands." The statue itself, created by artists Kim Seo-kyung and Kim Un-sung, will undergo a two-day refurbishment, including repainting, to restore its appearance. While police will maintain a presence for safety, the removal of the barricades signifies a step towards reclaiming public space for remembrance and a testament to the enduring spirit of the victims and their supporters.

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Every time I visited, I felt uneasy, as if the statue was imprisoned. Now, the statue looks peaceful. I hope many people will come and hold its hands.