활동보고

연대사업2021 Activity Report ENG

Read on Issuu in Korean: https://issuu.com/womenandwar.kc/docs/220516_

The below is a selected English translation, thanks to our volunteers Son, Yeonwoo and Linny Ng! Once again, thank you so much for your works!

P. 10

The Korean Council’s path and its future plans

We strive to be united. We will partner with national and international civic organizations. In solidarity, we will reveal the truth about Japanese military sexual slavery, and we will not rest until justice is achieved.

Commemoration and education will continue to be a top priority. We will continue our research and education programs to ensure that accurate historical information is preserved for future generations.

Communication will continue, and we hope that you will continue to place your faith in us. Our organization and its accounting management will be as transparent. We also hope to host more activities that will increase communication with citizens.

P. 11

2021 in retrospect

2021 was truly a year to look back on the 30 years of history of the movement. We reflected on the past movement and organization, and paved way for future progress to be made. All of our achievements were only made possible by the support of our donors and citizens, who were united, and believed in the Korean Council. We will continue to spearhead the movement for resolution of the Japanese military sexual slavery issue, as well as advocate for women’s human rights, and peace.

The highlights of our achievements in 2021 and our main goals for 2022 are as follows:

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Reforms following Proposals and recommendations of the Introspection and Vision Committee (June-2020-February 2021)

1. Improvements and Innovations to the Accounting Management System

- Accurate disclosures and an accounting verification system

- Transition into a professional non-profit accounting system with a specialized consultancy

- Establishment of regular external expert inspections for bookkeeping and disclosure purposes

- Responsible and efficient maintenance of the accounting management system

- Separate enactment of financial accounting management regulations

- Reinforcement of accounting manpower and management system

2. Improvements and Innovations to Organizational Structures and Operations

-  Reorganization of decision-making units, such as the Board and Steering Committee

-  Reorganization and the establishment of advisory committees, ranging from legal policy research and education to project-specific committees

- Establishment of solidarity network involving domestic and international organizations

- Reorganization of departments and projects

- Amendments were made to the Articles of Association

- Additional recruitment of staff

3. A future-oriented vision and reform plan for resolution of the issue of Japanese military sexual slavery was prepared

- The mission, the three visions and goals, and 18 tasks for implementation were set out in detail

4. Communication with members and citizens was strengthened

- Operation based on the support of domestic and foreign citizens

- In addition to regular activity reports through monthly newsletters, online platforms and SNS notification increased our presence and social impact

- Addition of personnel to communications

P. 13

Our Main Goals and Vision for 2022

In 2022, our overarching goal is to support survivors, build solidarity domestically and abroad, take back peaceful Wednesday Demonstrations, and continue operating our museum.

Specific Goals:

  1. Take back Wednesday Demonstration!
  2. Garner interest and solidarity for the Wednesday Demonstrations
  3. Strengthen civic solidarity with a focus on women's human rights and peace by expanding the host organizations of the Wednesday Demonstrations
  4. Filing complaints to the Human Rights Commission and seek legal activism to protect Wednesday Demonstrations
  • Respond to history denialism
  • Seek legal activism against the Japanese government and history denialism
  • Prevent defamation of victims
  • Advocate for the enactment of new laws and the revision of current laws to promote the truth about the Japanese military sexual slavery issue
  • Create related contents
  • Record and conduct research on history denialism in domestic and international spheres
  • Establish an international platform of memory
  • Continue to develop historical archives and current activities of the survivors (e.g. cataloging, research releases, etc.)
  • Build an online archive system (digitization of the archives)
  • Organize and record the 30th anniversary of the Asian Solidarity Conference and the movement
  • Develop education programs for future generations
  • Operate college student SNS reporters program
  • Hold various public lectures, including monthly seminars at the War and Women's Human Rights Museum
  • Develop educational materials that can be used in an interdisciplinary manner
  • Strengthen women’s solidarity to prevent the recurrence of wartime sexual violence
  • Develop Butterfly Fund
  • Research on sexual violence in conflict in Asia
  • Hold 30th anniversary of the Asian Solidarity Conference event
  • Create a more inclusive “Butterfly Culture” festival
  • Commemorate International Memorial Day for Japanese military “comfort women” with citizens across the world

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Memory

August 14 International Memorial Day for Japanese Military “Comfort Women”

In order to commemorate Kim Hak-soon's brave testimony and spread awareness about the Japanese military "comfort women" issue, the Korean Council plans and hosts many events every year on August 14.

In 2021: To honor the 30th anniversary of Kim Hak-soon's public testimony, the Korean Council overcame COVID-19-related difficulties and carried out a variety of events under the following slogan: "Waking Up the World with Kim Hak-soon's Courage—It's Now Our Turn to Change the World."

Summary:

Event NameDatePlatformNote
The 9th Global Solidarity Demonstration8/11 (Wed)Youtube livestreamProceeded with one-person demonstrations due to COVID-19 safety restrictions
International Conference8/13 (Fri)Zoom, Youtube livestreamAround 250 participants total
The 9th Butterfly Festival Zoom, Youtube livestream679 viewers (highest view count during the stream)
"Kim Hak-soon I Remember" Talk Concert Zoom, Youtube livestream 
Multi-Exhibit Panel for the 30th Anniversary of Kim Hak-soon’s Public Testimony In-person exhibits Published on Youtube
Cooperation with Domestic and International Solidarity OrganizationsMid-August 5 domestic organizations 4 international organizations
Opening of Special Exhibit "The Voice of August 14"Mid-AugustWar and Women's Human Rights MuseumRefer to p.34

P.31

More Vividly: A Sketch for the 9th Butterfly Festival

Various cultural performances celebrated the victims' journeys to becoming peace activists.

The first part was a showing of the halmonis' vivid testimonies, and the second part was a performance by acting trope Experience and Imagination that conveyed Kim Hak-soon's difficult journey to becoming the first Japanese military "comfort woman" to give a public testimony.

The third part was a Zoom performance, including a surprise visit from Park Pil-geun halmoni from Pohang.

Rewatch the Butterfly Festival:

P.32

The International Conference on the 30th Anniversary of Kim Hak-soon's Public Testimony

Experts from all around the world gathered to discuss the victims' efforts in spreading awareness about the Japanese military "comfort women" issue.

Videos from all around the world, from Lee Yong-soo halmoni to former director of the United Nations' Division for Human Rights Theo van Boven, congratulated participants and were livesteamed in Korean, English, and Japanese.

Rewatch the International Conference here:

Morning Afternoon           Resources

"Kim Hak-soon I Remember" Talk Concert

The talk concert showed the many sides of Kim Haksoon through the eyes of first generation-activists and current researchers.

If you're curious about Kim Hak-soon's favorite song:

P.33

Cooperation with Domestic and International Solidarity Organizations

In honor of the International Memorial Day, both domestic and international solidarity organizations used a variety of methods (cultural festivals, performances, conferences, videos, etc.) to spread awareness about the Japanese military "comfort women" issue.

Chicago, USA

"Come Sit with Her" Campaign

Philadelphia, USA

Video by Philadelphia Peace Plaza Committee

Japan

Comic by "Fight for Peace"

Germany

Korea Verband Poster ENG

P.34

Memory: Statue of Peace

Following the first Statue of Peace's erection on December 14, 2011 in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, similar statues have been built all around the world to promote peace and human rights and commemorate victims of sexual violence, colonization, and war.

In 2021: The Korean Council fully funded the production and delivery of an exhibition of the Statue of Peace at the Museum of Saxon Folk Art in Dresden. To counteract removal attempts by the Japanese government and far-right organizations, the Korean Council also distributed informational resources regarding the Japanese military "comfort woman" to local organizations.

Check out the establishments of Statue of Peace

P.35

More Vividly: Exhibition for the Statue of Peace at the Museum of Saxon Folk Art in Dresden

Currently In Preparation: Philadelphia Peace Plaza Committee's Fundraising Page

The world's first park for the Statue of Peace is in preparation in Philadelphia—please send the Committee your support.

Philadelphia Peace Plaza Committee's Fundraising Page

P.36

Memory: War and Women's Human Rights Museum

Through a variety of educational programs and exhibits, the museum serves as a space to remember the victims' experiences and discuss ongoing wartime sexual violence.

In 2021: A special exhibit called "The Voice of August 14" celebrated the 30th anniversary of Kim Hak-soon's public testimony, and the museum's website was redesigned.

War and Women's Human Rights Museum homepage

Special exhibit "The Voice of August 14" Visitor Satisfaction Survey

Survey period: 08/17/2021-01/22/2022

  • Exhibit satisfaction: Very satisfied (78%), Satisfied (21%)
  • Age and Gender: 20’s (66%), Female (77%)
  • Domestic visitors: Seoul (53%), Incheon/Gyeonggi (33%), Other (14%)
  • Foreign visitors: America (35%), Japan (6%), China (6%), Other (43%)
  • Areas for Improvement: Route (25%), Exhibit space (21%), Accessibility (11%)

P.37

More Vividly: 30th Anniversary of Kim Hak-soon's Public Testimony Special Exhibit "The Voice of August 14"

The exhibit included a video of Kim's first testimony conference in Tokyo and had around 1,160 visitors.

Visit our New Website!

Even those who are unfamiliar with the Japanese military "comfort woman" issue can gradually learn through the quest on the education page.

Online Education:

P.38

Memory: Archives

The Korean Council collects and manages records related to the Japanese military "comfort woman," women, human rights, and peace, as well as distributes them for research, publishing, and broadcasting purposes.

In 2021: The Korean Council worked on establishing a solid foundation necessary to expand collection of archives, from forming a team of experts in the field to creating a workspace and purchasing tools for preservation work.

P.39

Donations

DateDonorArchive
FebruaryMedia Mongu2017-2020 videos and photos (Wednesday Demonstrations, visits of victims)
March 2ndChung Chin-sung Research Team~50 boxes of research documents, 900 books
May 20th/28th, June 4thYun Chung-ok483 documents, photos, videos, and publications
June 3rdYoon Young-ae159 photos, 78 documents and publications
June 9thKim Yoon-ok64 photos
June 25thKim Pu-ja1 video of the Kim Hak-soon testimony assembly in Tokyo 1991
July 7thChoi Sang-gu4 documents , 31 photos, and 60 videos related to the Wednesday Demonstrations
July 23rdShibasaki Haruko7 photos of Kim Hak-soon
August 2ndLee Na-Young, Yun Chung-ok2 oral videos and transcripts
August 3rdChung Chin-sung5 photos of Kim Hak-soon
August 9thSydney Statue of Peace Solidarity15 photos of the 2019 Sydney Wednesday Demonstration, 3 photos of activists, 1 photo of Jan Ruff O'Herne
August 11thKim Hye-won2 photos of the 1991 Kim Hak-soon at assembly in Osaka, 1 photo of a 1988 visit to Japan, 1 photo of 1999 Wednesday Demonstration
August 14thKim Pu-ja69 books from VAWW RAC
August 18thYun Chung-ok35 photos
November 22ndAhn Hae-ryong2000 International Tribunal video, 2002 victims oral video, video of Kim Hak-soon's 1997 funeral, 4 photos of Wednesday Demonstration

P,40

Memory: Research & Publication

The Korean Council researches and publishes works related to Japanese military sexual slavery, women, human rights, and peace.

In 2021:

The Korean Council started the Kim Bok-dong research fund and chosen topics will be researched for a year beginning in 2022.

Summary:

Recruitment TypeContentSchedule
1 research taskInvestigation on the preservation, collection, and clearance of videos of surviving Japanese military "comfort women" victimsJanuary-December 2022
1 regular research studyClearance of original copies of war diaries related to Okinawa "comfort stations"August 2022-July 2023 (starting in August for the cooperation of Okinawa diplomatic offices)

P,41

Memory: Education & Scholarship

The Korean Council develops a variety of educational content so that younger generations can learn about history and fulfill the victims' wishes of a peaceful future.

In 2021:

Sungkonghoe University plans to develop a curriculum to teach the young generation about Japanese military "comfort women" from 2021 to 2024. In addition, the "Kim Bok-dong Peace Award" was created to encourage both current and future generations of activists.

  • 41 students total completed the course (36 enrolled students, 5 auditors)
  • Expansion of audience through content production | 6 110-minute videos

Click here if you're curious about the lectures on the history and activism of the Japanese military "comfort women" issue:

Kim Bok-dong Peace Awardee

TypeSelection ResultsNotesPrize Money
Activism AwardOh Bong-wan, Lucy Baek[Joint award] A member of the Chicago  Statue of Peace Committee  and KAN-WIN₩2,000,000
Future Generation ScholarshipLim Jung-ah, Choi Yoo-binEnrolled student of the Department of Korean History at Dongduk Women's University, enrolled student of the Department of  Political Science and Diplomacy at Gangwon University₩1,000,000

P,42

Memory: Media & Promotion

The Korean Council creates a variety of content on Youtube, social media, and other online platforms to spread awareness about the Japanese military "comfort women" issue.

In 2021: From videos about the 1500th Wednesday Protest and the 30th anniversary of the Kim Hak-soon’s public testimony to a monthly newsletter ("Nabi Letter"), the Korean Council created lots of diverse content.

Summary:

PlatformUploadsSubscriber Count
Youtube1556,631
Facebook44510,933
Instagram1512,631
Newsletter1310,354

P.43

2021 Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan Youtube

"We are Kim Hak-soon"

Just 30 years ago, the experiences of the "comfort women" were hidden away. We must continue Kim's legacy by spreading the truth.

"Are They Rocks or People?"

For 29 years, people have gathered, rain or snow, for a whopping 1500 times! Who are these people, and why do they always gather at the same place?

"The Bad, The Evil, and The Weird"

A report on human beings that deny historical truth and disrupt the Wednesday Demonstrations.

P,44

2021 Nabi Letters

Learn about the Korean Council's tireless efforts in the Nabi Letters.

P,45

Promotion Production

The Korean Council produces both offline and online promotion material to spread the truth about the Japanese military "comfort women" issue.

Interactive news about responses to pending issues.

Introducing the lives of halmonis

P,46 Solidarity: Solidarity Activities

In order to spread awareness about the Japanese military "comfort women'' issue and work towards resolution, the Korean Council cooperates with a variety of domestic and international organizations.

In 2021: The voices of people all around the world were heard through joint statements, debates and press conferences, etc. organized by the Korean Council.

Domestic Solidarity: Networking

A network of organizations that support the Japanese military "comfort women'' victims was formed.

P,47

"Defenders of the Wednesday Demonstrations" was formed to fight back against history deniers.

The Korean Council joined the Responding to Illegal Activities by State-Run Organizers network.

Other Solidarity

The Korean Council cooperated with a variety of civilian organizations and press conferences, gathered signatures, and more to gain the trust and solidarity of citizens.

P,48

South-North Korea Solidarity

  • Women's and civilian organizations co-hosted the 2021 International Debate Conference for Asian Peace and Women's Role with the Korean Council.
  • Unfortunately, despite efforts to receive signatures of solidarity from North Korea in honor of the March 1 Movement and 1500th Wednesday Demonstration, the Korean Council was unable to due to icy political tensions.

International solidarity

Korean-Japanese Youth Exchange Programs

The Korean Council worked with the Japan's Kibotane Fund for the 2020 Korean-Japanese Youth Exchange Program symposium, carried out online tours of War and Women's Human Rights Museum, and supported online interactions between Korean and Japanese university students.

P,49

Responding to Pending Issues

Held International Conference to spread awareness about the significance of the January verdict. English webinars also allowed youths from abroad to interact and raise awareness on the issue.

Statue of Peace Support

The Korean Council supported the exhibition of the Statue of Peace at the Museum of Saxon Folk Art in Dresden, held the "The 10th Anniversary of the Statue of Peace International Conference," and in the process of creating the " Global Statue of Peace Network."

P,50

Solidarity: The Butterfly Fund

The Butterfly Fund fulfills the wishes of Kim Bok-dong and Gil Won-ok to support victims of sexual violence and children-in-need all around the world.

In 2021: To support Palestinian women and children in the midst of the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis, the Butterfly Fund teamed up with the Asian Dignity Initiative to run the "Palestinian Women's Trauma Healing Center." The Butterfly Fund also provided long-term and emergency funding for sexual violence survivors.

Summary

  1. Long-term funding
  2. Vietnam: Funded victims of sexual violence by Korean soldiers during the Vietnam War
  3. Democratic Republic of Congo: Funded victims of the Mount Nyiragongo volcanic eruption (funded medical bills, machine sewing training, etc.)
  4. Uganda: Bag-making, reading lessons, scholarships for offspring, COVID-19 emergency funding, etc. for women.
  5. Palestine Funding (3 years)
  6. Founded the "Palestinian Women's Trauma Healing Center" for gender-based violence.

P,52

2021 The Night of Donations

On November 16, the Korean Council carried out an online "Night of Donations" fundraiser in honor of the 31st anniversary of Japanese military "comfort women" activism.

Add Butterfly+ campaign

For 4 weeks (Oct. 25-Nov. 16), the Korean Council sent out thank-you packages of 2022 planners, pens, soaps, eco pouches, masks and mask-chains, sticky notes, and more to those who donated more than 100,000₩ and souvenirs to long-term sponsors.

P.53

Part 2: "The Hope Song of Justice": A Radio Show Hosted by New Activists, DJ Duffy & Girin

DJ Duffy and Girin hosted a watchable radio show with live quizzes and witty commentary for the Night of Donations.

Part 3: Singing Performances and Butterfly Awards (Even Better Than the Grammys!)

Lastly, the Korean Council expressed gratitude towards those who supported them throughout 2021.