Archival documents show that at the end of the Pacific War, the island served as Japanese military base.

Researchers and witnesses say that, for the first time, Japan set up and ran comfort stations for its troops in Jeju at that time for four months from April 1945.

Todd Thacker reports.

[slug] Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup

This tin-roofed house is near Seongsan Sunrise Peak, on the east side of the island.

It is a building commonly found on Jeju.

[slug] Islander testifies Japanese ‘comfort station’ in Jeju at press conference

However, this particular house holds dark memories for one island resident, Mr. (오시종) Oh Shi-jong.

He says that when he was 16, the house was a so-called “comfort station” for Japanese troops stationed here during the end of the Pacific War.

[slug] Two ‘comfort stations’ operated in Jeju: JNU Peace Institute

The Jeju National University Peace Institute recently released a paper detailing the existence of two “comfort stations” in the Seongsan area. It is based on the testimony of area residents, on-site investigations, and Japanese historical records.

[slug] In operation from April through August, 1945

Researchers say that Japan set up and ran “comfort stations” for its troops here for four months from April 1945.

[slug] Six or 7 women forced into sexual slavery for Kamikaze unit

There is testimony that six or seven women and girls, including Jeju residents, were forced into sexual slavery for a Kamikaze unit being trained here.

[slug] First-ever details of ‘comfort stations’ in Jeju

It is a historical fact that Japan operated such stations in Japan, China, and other parts of Asia.

But this is the first time that Jeju has been mentioned.

[slug] Testimony only, no physical evidence remains

It should be noted that no physical evidence remains to prove that the houses were used in this way by Japanese troops.

[slug] Gosan ‘no place to spend spare time’: Japanese military records

During this period, records from a Japanese military unit state that Gosan, on the far west of the island, was “no place to spend spare time.” Researchers say that this indicates comfort stations may have been on the opposite side of the island at Seongsan.

[Reporter] Todd Thacker
[Camera] Park Byeong-june

Researchers said that they held their press conference now because Mr. Oh is in poor health, and that the timing during current diplomatic tensions between Korea and Japan is merely coincidental.

Todd Thacker, KCTV