A citizen's group from Daegu has sought support from the local government to erect a statue commemorating Korea's comfort women — girls and women forced into sexual servitude by the Imperial Japanese Army.
On Dec. 28 the group held a press conference in front of the Daegu Department Store in Dongseongro Street, a main street of Daegu. During the press conference, the group reported on its efforts so far and appealed to the local government to back its plan for a statue.
The citizen's group began a fundraising appeal last June and since then some 2,000 citizens have donated 56 million won(US$46,500), enough money to make and erect the statue. In December a proposal was submitted but the Jung-gu ward office, which has jurisdiction over the site, turned it down on the grounds it would inconvenience people.
The Daegu citizen's countered that any obstruction would be minimal as the statue would only occupy a small piece of land. They will discuss the matter with the ward office again and hope to erect the statue by March 1, the Independence Movement Day.
Vivian Lee Yong-soo, 90, one of the victims of sex slavery, said, "Among a total of 238 victims registered, only 40 are living now. I’m now 90 years old but I’m the youngest among them. Before all the victims die, Japan should give us a heartfelt apology.”
"I want the statue to be set up in Dongseongro street so lots of young people will see it and it will raise their awareness on this issue," she said.
