The Sokcho city government, led by a People Power Party mayor, officially announced Friday that it had held a ceremony marking the Day of Remembrance for Japanese Military Comfort Women Victims.
The announcement stands in contrast to the People Power Party's position at the national level. An amendment to the Act on the Protection, Support and Commemoration of Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery Under the Japanese Imperial Era — which would have criminalized the spreading of false information and defamatory acts against the victims, including calling them "prostitutes" in front of schools — was referred to a standing committee in December last year but failed after the People Power Party opposed it.
Despite a significant faction within the People Power Party holding pro-Japan views on this issue, Sokcho has continued to hold the annual commemoration.
Sokcho held the 9th Commemoration of the Day of Remembrance for Japanese Military Comfort Women Victims on Friday at the Peace Monument in the fountain plaza of Cheongcho Lake Park, organized by the Sokcho Sexual Violence Counseling Center and the Sexual Violence Counseling Center for People with Disabilities.
Aug. 14 marks the day in 1991 when the late Kim Hak-sun became the first survivor to publicly testify about her experiences as a comfort woman. The government designated the date a national memorial day in 2017 to honor the victims' courage and promote an accurate understanding of history.
Now in its ninth year, the ceremony was held under the theme "From Courageous Testimony to Steps Toward Peace." The event was designed not only to remember the pain and bravery of the victims but also to reflect on the values of human rights and peace.
The ceremony opened with a letter reading by the student council of Seorak High School, followed by a moment of silence, commemorative remarks, a flower offering and a memorial performance. Attendees could also write tribute messages and view an exhibition of related works.
Sokcho Vice Mayor Tak Yeon-mi said she hoped the ceremony would serve as an occasion to remember the suffering and courage of the victims and to reflect on the values of human rights and peace grounded in an accurate understanding of history. "Sokcho will continue its efforts to restore the honor and human rights of the victims through the preservation of the Peace Monument and related commemorative projects," she said.
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