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Breaking the Silence with Courage

Brave Testimonies from the Victims of the Japanese Military’s “Comfort Women” Sexual Slavery

The truth behind the Japanese Imperial Army’s forced sexual slavery of the “comfort women” was only brought to light after one of the victims, the late Kim Hak-sun, gave a public testimony on August 14, 1991.
When the Japanese government officially denied involvement with the “comfort women” issue in June 1990, Ms. Kim felt she could no longer continue her silence and went public with her tragic story.

Kim Hak-sun, testifying on August 14, 1991

"I made up my mind after reading the newspaper. It just wasn’t right, and it has to be corrected now. They’re lying. I don’t understand why they’re lying."

Ms. Kim’s testimony inspired courage in other victims, prompting them to open up about their own wounds and pain. Their courage became the starting point to uncovering the hidden history.

Testimony at the Public Hearing Concerning the Post-War Compensation of Japan held in Tokyo in December 1992

Kang Sun-ae (South Korea)
"They said no one was taken by force. It really cuts to the bone, I can’t sleep, and I’m furious beyond words. I feel that I should at least say something as I’m about to leave this world."

Kim Young-shil (North Korea)
"I think it’s clear that they should apologize and provide compensation."

Jan Ruff O'Herne (Dutch-Australian)
"My religion helped me survive all the savagery that we suffered at the brutal hands of the Japanese.
I have forgiven the Japanese for what they did to me, but I can never forget."

Rosa Henson (Philippines)
"I was so young and was assaulted by twenty Japanese soldiers a day. It was so painful, and I cried miserably."
 

Source : KBS NEWS
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