Seoul – President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday mourned the passing of another survivor of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery, a practice euphemistically referred to as “comfort women,” and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to seeking justice and restoring the dignity of those forced into sexual servitude during World War II. The death of the unnamed woman, announced Saturday, leaves just five officially registered survivors remaining in South Korea, a stark reminder of a painful chapter in history and the dwindling opportunities to hear firsthand accounts from those who endured unimaginable suffering.
The President expressed his condolences in a post on X, stating, “I extend my deepest condolences with a heavy heart and pray for the soul of the deceased.” He added, “She reminds us that history must never be forgotten and leaves us with the responsibility to make sure that future generations can live in a fairer and more peaceful world. The government will do all it can to restore their honor and dignity.” The statement underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the issue and the continued demand for accountability from Japan.
President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting at the Ministry of National Defense building in central Seoul on March 27. [NEWS1]
A History of Forced Servitude
The issue of “comfort women” remains a significant point of contention between South Korea and Japan. Historians estimate that between 70,000 and 200,000 women, predominantly from Korea, but also including those from China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and other occupied territories, were coerced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides detailed historical context on the issue, outlining the systematic nature of the recruitment and exploitation.
Korea was under Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, a period marked by suppression of Korean culture and economic exploitation. The “comfort women” system was a direct consequence of this colonial power dynamic, with women often deceived or forcibly taken from their homes to serve in frontline brothels. The trauma endured by these women has had lasting effects, both individually and collectively, on Korean society.
The Declining Number of Survivors
As of March 2026, 240 women have been officially registered by the South Korean government as victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery, with 235 having already passed away, according to Yonhap News Agency. The remaining five survivors are aged 95 on average, with the oldest reaching 97 years old. Their declining numbers underscore the urgency of documenting their testimonies and pursuing avenues for redress before their voices are lost forever.
The South Korean government has long sought a more comprehensive apology from Japan and greater acknowledgement of its responsibility for the atrocities committed. Previous attempts at resolution, including a 2015 agreement that involved a Japanese contribution to a fund for surviving victims, were met with criticism from some victims and activists who felt it did not go far enough in addressing their demands for justice and a sincere apology.
Ongoing Demands for Justice
Victim advocacy groups continue to call for a full and unequivocal apology from the Japanese government, as well as the establishment of a memorial to honor the “comfort women” and the inclusion of their stories in history textbooks. They also seek legal avenues for redress, including potential international court cases, though these efforts have faced significant legal and political hurdles.
The issue extends beyond a bilateral dispute between South Korea and Japan. International human rights organizations have consistently condemned the “comfort women” system as a grave violation of human rights and have urged Japan to fully acknowledge its responsibility and provide reparations to the survivors. The debate also highlights the broader challenges of addressing historical injustices and achieving reconciliation between nations.
What Lies Ahead
President Lee’s administration has signaled its intention to continue pursuing efforts to address the “comfort women” issue, though specific strategies remain to be outlined. The government is expected to consult with victim advocacy groups and legal experts to explore potential avenues for achieving a more satisfactory resolution. A key focus will likely be on preserving the testimonies of the remaining survivors and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten by future generations.
The next significant development is expected in June 2026, when a parliamentary committee is scheduled to hold hearings on potential legislative measures aimed at providing further support to the surviving victims and promoting historical education about the “comfort women” issue. Updates on these hearings and any subsequent legislative action will be available through the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
This remains a deeply sensitive and complex issue with far-reaching implications for regional relations and historical memory. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and engage in respectful dialogue on this important topic.
