‘Comfort women’ emerges as international issue

The number of victims is estimated at 400,000, with most from Korea, China and the Philippines. Women from the Netherlands, Burma, Taiwan and other countries were also coerced to work as sex slaves during the war.

Victims testify that they were forced to handle more than 20 soldiers a day, threatened with death and often assaulted. They said violence and humiliation were everyday occurrences and they generally received little or no medical treatment even if they were injured, became pregnant or were infected with venereal diseases.

According to numerous reports based on the witnesses testimonies, thousands were executed to conceal the existence of the comfort houses.

Inspired by the movement initiated in Korea, the victims formed international assemblies to fight for a resolution. They have written letters, held international conventions and staged protests to press the Japanese government.

Women from Korea and the Philippines sought compensation from the Japanese authorities at its court but failed. The Taiwanese and Chinese governments have requested formal acknowledgment and an apology. But not much progress has been made so far.

Though its top court admitted to the state’s involvement in the management of the wartime brothels, the Tokyo government still holds up its decades-long principle ― the women’s service was voluntary and the state will not interfere in individual matters.

The only compensation a victim can get is a small amount of money given from a Japanese government fund. It is given under the name of subsidy, not compensation.

“It will be much relieving for the Japanese government if all the victims die and no one would really speak up for the matter. However, we must remember the sufferings of the victims. The history will remain forever,” said professor Lee Na-young of Chung Ang University in Seoul.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)