South Korean “Comfort” Women Ask Japan for Apology
- 15 years ago
South Korean women, who were forced to serve as sex slaves for the Japanese army during World War ll, continue urging the Japanese government for an apology and compensation.
Almost every week for more than 17 years, Korean women who were kept in brothels have gathered outside the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to provide what they say is a living reminder of a dark chapter in Japan's past.
[Yoon Mi-hyang, Protester]:
"Since we started this rally, we've met 234 victims. And already 147 have died without having the problem solved. Now only 87 are alive. I hope we can solve the matter so that these women left can live with peace-of-mind before they die."
Eighty-three-year-old Gil Won-ok braved the cold weather to let the world know that they're still fighting to get an apology from the Japanese government.
[Gil Won-ok, Former Comfort Woman]:
“I’ve always wanted for them to tell the truth. If the truth is told, there will be no way to not compensate and apologize for them. I want the truth to be unveiled."
Tokyo has refused to pay direct compensation to any of the estimated 200,000 mostly Asian women who were forced to work in its military brothels before and during World War Two, saying all claims were settled by subsequent peace treaties.
Almost every week for more than 17 years, Korean women who were kept in brothels have gathered outside the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to provide what they say is a living reminder of a dark chapter in Japan's past.
[Yoon Mi-hyang, Protester]:
"Since we started this rally, we've met 234 victims. And already 147 have died without having the problem solved. Now only 87 are alive. I hope we can solve the matter so that these women left can live with peace-of-mind before they die."
Eighty-three-year-old Gil Won-ok braved the cold weather to let the world know that they're still fighting to get an apology from the Japanese government.
[Gil Won-ok, Former Comfort Woman]:
“I’ve always wanted for them to tell the truth. If the truth is told, there will be no way to not compensate and apologize for them. I want the truth to be unveiled."
Tokyo has refused to pay direct compensation to any of the estimated 200,000 mostly Asian women who were forced to work in its military brothels before and during World War Two, saying all claims were settled by subsequent peace treaties.