A Bust of Japanese Military 'Comfort Women' Victim to Be Unveiled at Share House... Gyeonggi Province on the 8th

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Cheon Ui-hyun] On the occasion of the upcoming 'Day of Remembrance' on the 14th, Gyeonggi Province announced on the 3rd that it will hold various events commemorating Japanese military 'comfort women' victims throughout the province.

The Day of Remembrance is a national commemorative day designated to reflect on the suffering of Japanese military 'comfort women' victims, historical truth, and the value of peace. It commemorates August 14, 1991, when the late grandmother Kim Hak-soon first publicly testified about her victimization as a Japanese military 'comfort woman.' It was designated as an official national holiday through legislative amendment in 2017.

The events conducted by the province include a Day of Remembrance ceremony held at Share House in Gwangju on the 8th. The event will feature a bust unveiling ceremony honoring Japanese military 'comfort women' victims, a commendation ceremony for those with contributions to commemorative projects by the Gyeonggi Province Governor, awards for the Peace, Human Rights, and Memory message competition, and cultural performances. Additionally, exhibitions of award-winning works and experiential programs will be prepared to remember the lives of the victims and share the values of peace and human rights with future generations.

In cities and counties across the province, events reflecting local characteristics will continue. Suwon will operate a World Japanese Military 'Comfort Women' Day of Remembrance ceremony, cultural performances, citizen participation experience booths, and a photo exhibition. Hwaseong will hold a ceremony, flower offerings, and citizen participation programs. Anyang will prepare award ceremonies for submitted works, performances, and experience booths. Siheung will host a Peace Girl statue remembrance ceremony, special exhibitions, and poetry readings.

Meanwhile, ceremonies, commemorative events, exhibitions, performances, peace forums, and citizen participation programs will be held in various locations including Ansan, Gimpo, Paju, Gwangmyeong, Osan, Icheon, and Pocheon.

Park Yeon-kyung, Director of the Women and Family Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "The Day of Remembrance is not only about remembering the pain of Japanese military 'comfort women' victims but also carrying forward the values of peace and human rights with future generations," adding, "We hope that Gyeonggi Province residents will participate in the Day of Remembrance events held throughout the province to remember history and reflect on the meaning of peace."