South Korea holds memorial event for victims of Japanese military sexual slavery ahead of Remembrance Day

A memorial event was held at the House of Sharing in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, to mark the upcoming World Day of Remembrance for Japanese Military "Comfort Women" on August 14. The ceremony included the unveiling of a bust of Kang Il-chul, a victim who lived at the facility and passed away on March 29. Ven. Se-young, the representative of the House of Sharing, spoke about the victims' courage and their calls for justice and historical accuracy. "Although they are no longer with us, their courage and cries have left a deep resonance in our society and around the world," Ven. Se-young said, vowing to continue their legacy. Attendees paid tribute to the victims, including Kang Il-chul, by observing a moment of silence and taking photos in front of their busts. A ritual dance and song were performed to comfort the spirits of the deceased and remember their lost dreams, with a wish for the prevention of future tragedies. Kang Il-chul, born in 1928 in Gyeongbuk Sangju, was taken to a Japanese military "comfort station" in Manchuria at the age of 16. She testified about the atrocities committed by Japan at Shanghai Normal University in 2015. Her drawing, "Burning Maidens," served as the inspiration for the film "Spirits' Homecoming."

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Although they are no longer with us, their courage and cries have left a deep resonance in our society and around the world.