뉴스레터

Hoping There Won't be a 1,000th Demonstration!

On Wednesday, January 13, 2010, Korean and overseas participants and the press gathered in front of Japanese Embassy in Seoul as noon approached. In -15°C weather, the 900th Wednesday Demonstration for the Resolution of the Japanese Military "Comfort Women" Issue began. Around 40 Korean organizations lent their support, and Nam Yun In-sun, Director of the Korean Women's Association United, presented a speech. Joint rallies took place in Germany and five cities in Japan. Statements and messages of support also came from Canada, Australia, and Taiwan. The statements called for an end to war, human rights violation, state violence, and gender discrimination while stressing international cooperation.

In its statement of solidarity, Amnesty International called on the Japanese government to apologize, to compensate the victims, and to be held accountable. It also pledged solidarity with the Wednesday Demonstration. The surviving victims demonstrated their firm resolve and offered their smiles and thanks to those who came to participate in the demonstration. Their determination and smile were like the warm rays of spring, seemingly melting away the cold, harsh reality.

Yun Mi-hyang from the Korean Council for Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan reiterated the importance of resolving the issue through a legislation stipulating an official apology and legal compensation from the Japanese government. She also asked for interest and cooperation in the "1% of Korea and Japan (500,000 and 1.2 million, respectively) Signature Campaign" that was launched at the end of last year. Han Gukyeom, also from the Korean Council, read the 900th Wednesday Demonstration Statement, and Kang Ju-hye asked the participants and the press for their continued solidarity and cooperation in 2010.

"1% of Korea and Japan Signature Campaign"

It has been 18 years since the first Wednesday Demonstration. At times, there was anger, and at other times, there were silent appeals. The 900th demonstration was a sad occasion, highlighting the many years of hard work that have not resulted in a fundamental resolution. Some said everyone should work hard to make sure there need not be a 1,000th demonstration. The fact that over 50,000 people have participated in the 900 demonstrations so far held indicate that many desire the fundamental resolution of the Japanese "comfort women" issue; that is why the Wednesday Demonstration signify hope.

The "Adoption of the Comfort Women Resolution by City Councils" project has been well received. Starting with two city councils in Australia and the city council of Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture (March 2008), some 15 city councils in Japan and the Daegu City Council and other local autonomous governments in Korea have joined in.

Based on these successes, the Korean Council plans to expand the scope of the project to include national assemblies. Also, there will be an international solidarity rally sometime around August.