Gyeonggi Province to host events for Day of Remembrance of 'Comfort Women' victims

South Korea is preparing to mark the Day of Remembrance for Japanese Military "Comfort Women" Victims on August 14 with a series of events across Gyeonggi Province. The province will host its main commemorative ceremony on August 8 at the House of Sharing in Gwangju.

This year's ceremony at the House of Sharing will include the unveiling of a bust honoring the late Kang Il-chul, who passed away in March. The event will also feature awards for individuals who have contributed to memorial projects and a cultural performance. The Day of Remembrance commemorates August 14, 1991, when the late Kim Hak-sun first publicly testified about her experiences as a victim of sexual slavery by the Japanese military. The day was legally designated in 2017 to remember the victims, reflect on historical truth, and promote peace.

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The Day of Remembrance is not just about remembering the pain of the victims of Japanese military 'comfort women,' but also about carrying forward the values of peace and human rights with future generations.

Beyond the provincial ceremony, numerous cities within Gyeonggi Province are organizing their own events. Suwon will host a ceremony, cultural performances, and an exhibition. Hwaseong will hold a memorial service with a flower offering, while Anyang plans an awards ceremony for a creative competition and performances. Siheung is set to host a ceremony for the Statue of Peace, along with a special exhibition. Other cities, including Ansan, Gimpo, Paju, Gwangmyeong, Osan, Icheon, and Pocheon, will also conduct memorial ceremonies, exhibitions, performances, peace forums, and citizen participation programs.

Park Yeon-kyung, Director of Gyeonggi Province's Women and Family Affairs Bureau, emphasized the day's significance. "The Day of Remembrance is not just about remembering the pain of the victims of Japanese military 'comfort women,' but also about carrying forward the values of peace and human rights with future generations," she stated. She expressed hope that residents would participate in the local events to remember history and reflect on the meaning of peace.

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I hope that residents will participate in the Day of Remembrance events held across the province to remember history and reflect on the meaning of peace.