Demonstrators gathered at a weekly rally in Seoul last Wednesday ahead of an international day of recognition for the women forced into sexual slavery by Japan during World War Two. The few survivors were joined this week by an unusually large crowd of supporters. Arirang’s Connie Kim reports.

Regular demonstration draws crowd ahead of Intl. Memorial Day

Every Wednesday since 1992, people have gathered in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul to ask Japan to atone for its program of military sexual slavery during World War Two.

The demonstration had special meaning as it also marks International Memorial Day, a day of recognition for the so-called comfort women.

Kim Bok-dong was among those at the rally.
A sexual slavery survivor, she is firm on receiving an apology for the atrocities she and those like her endured.

[INTERVIEW]
Kim Bok-dong / Survivor of Japanese sexual slavery
(Korean)
"The Japanese government has still not said that it forced young women into sexual slavery. But we are going to fight until the end."

[SLUG]
Activists and groups from Korea and overseas join rally

The gathering brought together activists and groups from Korea and overseas.

Participants held signs demanding "legal compensation" and an "official apology."

They stood determined to draw attention to the comfort women's plight.

[Interview]
Hong Da-hyun / Student
(Korean)
"I've only read the victims' stories, but coming to the the rally and meeting the survivors makes me feel more attached to this issue."

[INTERVIEW]
Takao Ogata / Japanese visitor
(Japanese)
"The Japanese government should resolve the issue as soon as possible. Most of the survivors have passed away and many of those who are still alive are not in good health."

(자료문장)
Around 200-thousand Korean women, mostly Korean, were forced to serve the Japanese military during World War Two.

[SLUG]
Man attempts self-immolation during rally

The event was disrupted when a Korean man in his eighties set himself on fire.

The demonstration resumed after the man was taken to the hospital.

Later, students sang songs expressing determination and hope that Korea will not back down until justice is served.

[CAMERA]
Bang Bo-hyun

A huge banner floated above the crowd, with a message asking Japan to apologize and atone for its wrongdoing.

[INTERVIEW]
Lee Yong-soo / Survivor of Japanese sexual slavery
(Korean)
"Rain or snow, we have come out here, calling on Japan for compensation. If Japan is not deaf or blind,... they would have heard our voices. As a human rights activist, I am not going to let this happen again."

[REPORTER]
Connie Kim

"The women and their supporters say they will continue their fight for justice. But with only 47 registered victims remaining in Korea, time is not on their side.

Connie Kim, Arirang News.