On September 30, the Korean Council, led by Chairperson Lee Na-young, with survivor and human rights activist Lee Yong-soo, visited the Minister of Gender Equality and Family's office. The meeting was held with Minister Won Min-kyung, who was newly appointed to the post on September 10.
During the meeting, Lee expressed her sincere congratulations on Minister Won’s appointment, noting that the prolonged vacancy in the ministry’s leadership had caused significant difficulties. She once again emphasized the necessity of an official apology and legal reparations from the Japanese government. Lee also urged the Korean government to make every effort to enforce the High Court's November 23, 2023, ruling, which granted survivors a landmark victory against the Japanese government after decades of struggle.
In addition, Lee strongly requested that the remaining funds of the now-dissolved Reconciliation and Healing Foundation should be returned to the Japanese government, reaffirming survivors’ long-standing position that such funds cannot substitute for a genuine apology and legal responsibility.
The Korean Council expressed its hope that the newly established Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will actively and sincerely work toward resolving the issue of the Japanese military sexual slavery. The Korean Council reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its efforts in solidarity with survivors, advancing toward a truly gender-equal society grounded in historical justice and human rights.
During the meeting, Lee expressed her sincere congratulations on Minister Won’s appointment, noting that the prolonged vacancy in the ministry’s leadership had caused significant difficulties. She once again emphasized the necessity of an official apology and legal reparations from the Japanese government. Lee also urged the Korean government to make every effort to enforce the High Court's November 23, 2023, ruling, which granted survivors a landmark victory against the Japanese government after decades of struggle.
In addition, Lee strongly requested that the remaining funds of the now-dissolved Reconciliation and Healing Foundation should be returned to the Japanese government, reaffirming survivors’ long-standing position that such funds cannot substitute for a genuine apology and legal responsibility.
The Korean Council expressed its hope that the newly established Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will actively and sincerely work toward resolving the issue of the Japanese military sexual slavery. The Korean Council reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its efforts in solidarity with survivors, advancing toward a truly gender-equal society grounded in historical justice and human rights.