We participated in the testimony conference for victims of sexual violence during the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.
The conference began with a brief introduction by an investigator from the May 18 Democratic Movement Truth Commission, followed by testimonies from the victims. Although the timing and locations of the sexual violence varied, the perpetrators were all men practicing state violence. The testimonies confirmed that the state labeled the citizens of Gwangju as "communists" and "rioters," excluding them from the category of "nationals." During the insurrection and its aftermath, the bodies of women, who were relatively vulnerable in times of crisis, were treated as objects.
After the testimonies, Attorney Ha Joo-hee addressed the reality that victims have to take legal action for their recovery and called for legislative initiatives that would enable the national community, rather than individuals, to take the lead in supporting victims. Her request echoed the need for an act similar to the Protection Act for Japanese military sexual slavery victims. This prompted us to reflect on the role of law and politics in confronting hate groups that erase history, deny the lives of survivors of the Japanese military sexual slavery, and engage in secondary victimization.
Lastly, former prosecutor Seo Ji-hyun remarked, "The state has abandoned us, but we have held each other's hands and saved one another," reminding us of the significance of solidarity on this day. Her words posed a question for the activists of the Korean Council: "What kind of solidarity should we pursue?“
Today's testimony conference served as a moment to reflect on how much Korean society has changed since the testimony of Kim Hak-soon halmoni, the first Japanese military “comfort woman” to speak out in public. We were reminded of the halmonis who had to remain silent for 46 years after liberation and the perpetrators of the insurrection who have remained unpunished for 29 years.
We will remember the experiences and feelings shared with the victims today. We commit to continuing our efforts to prevent immense violence from derailing lives, to listen to the silenced voices, and to foster sustainable relationships in society.
Video of the Testimony Conference
We participated in the testimony conference for victims of sexual violence during the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.
The conference began with a brief introduction by an investigator from the May 18 Democratic Movement Truth Commission, followed by testimonies from the victims. Although the timing and locations of the sexual violence varied, the perpetrators were all men practicing state violence. The testimonies confirmed that the state labeled the citizens of Gwangju as "communists" and "rioters," excluding them from the category of "nationals." During the insurrection and its aftermath, the bodies of women, who were relatively vulnerable in times of crisis, were treated as objects.
After the testimonies, Attorney Ha Joo-hee addressed the reality that victims have to take legal action for their recovery and called for legislative initiatives that would enable the national community, rather than individuals, to take the lead in supporting victims. Her request echoed the need for an act similar to the Protection Act for Japanese military sexual slavery victims. This prompted us to reflect on the role of law and politics in confronting hate groups that erase history, deny the lives of survivors of the Japanese military sexual slavery, and engage in secondary victimization.
Lastly, former prosecutor Seo Ji-hyun remarked, "The state has abandoned us, but we have held each other's hands and saved one another," reminding us of the significance of solidarity on this day. Her words posed a question for the activists of the Korean Council: "What kind of solidarity should we pursue?“
Today's testimony conference served as a moment to reflect on how much Korean society has changed since the testimony of Kim Hak-soon halmoni, the first Japanese military “comfort woman” to speak out in public. We were reminded of the halmonis who had to remain silent for 46 years after liberation and the perpetrators of the insurrection who have remained unpunished for 29 years.
We will remember the experiences and feelings shared with the victims today. We commit to continuing our efforts to prevent immense violence from derailing lives, to listen to the silenced voices, and to foster sustainable relationships in society.
Video of the Testimony Conference