Park Seung-won, the mayor of Gwangmyeong, stated on August 14, "We will not forget the pain of the victims and their courageous testimonies, and we will carry their wishes forward through peace and human rights." He is taking the lead in advocating for the rights and honor of the victims of the Japanese military's comfort women.
During the '2026 Comfort Women Victims Memorial Day' ceremony held in front of the Statue of Peace at Gwangmyeong Cave, Mayor Park commemorated the victims and reflected on the significance of peace and human rights with the citizens.
Attendees paid tribute to the victims through flower offerings and poetry readings, while also viewing an exhibition of poems centered around the statue, revisiting the historical significance of the comfort women issue.
Mayor Park emphasized, "Remembering the pain of the victims is the starting point for protecting human rights and peace." This statement reflects his vision to ensure that the issue of comfort women is not relegated to the past but is expanded into values of human rights, dignity, and peace that our society must uphold today.
He made it clear that by remembering the courageous testimonies of the victims and sharing the value of peace with citizens, he aims to pass on historical lessons to future generations.
Gathering with citizens in front of the statue, Mayor Park highlighted the community's role in being "a Gwangmyeong that remembers and practices peace." He stressed the importance of continuing the values of history and human rights in daily life, centered around the Statue of Peace.
Indeed, the Statue of Peace in Gwangmyeong was established in 2015 with funds voluntarily raised by citizens to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation.
As a symbol of peace and human rights representing Gwangmyeong, it has been recognized for its establishment through the power of the citizens.
Members of the Women's Council continue to maintain the 'Flower Garden for Peace' around the statue, allowing citizens to reflect on the meaning of peace.
Citizens attending the ceremony expressed their unified hope for the complete restoration of the victims' rights and honor. They resonated with the sentiment that "not forgetting the voices of the victims is the most important form of remembrance" and that "properly remembering the past is essential for securing future peace," wishing for the statue to remain a symbol of peace and human rights in Gwangmyeong.
Mayor Park reiterated his commitment to creating a city of peace and human rights in Gwangmyeong, made in collaboration with the citizens. He affirmed, "I will not forget the pain of the victims and their courageous testimonies," and emphasized the message of carrying that memory into the values of peace and human rights in the daily lives of citizens.
He added, "I will work to create a Gwangmyeong where everyone is respected and can live peacefully." Meanwhile, Mayor Park plans to take further steps in Gwangmyeong, where history is remembered, to ensure that everyone is respected and can live peacefully.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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