On August 13, the 1713th Wednesday Demonstration was held as the 13th Global Solidarity Demonstration for the International Memorial Day for the Japanese Military "Comfort Women." The Korean Council hosted the event, and jointly organized by the Korean Council along with 166 co-organizing groups from 10 countries.
The demonstration opened with moderator Park Ji-ha from Tongil-ro, followed by a "Like a Rock" performance by the Peace NABI Network.
Attendees watched the theme video for Memorial Day, which conveyed the message that the light sent by survivors of Japanese military sexual slavery continues to shine worldwide, inspiring the creation of a peaceful and equal society despite ongoing war, conflict, discrimination, and hatred.
Special guest - survivor, human rights activist Lee Yong-soo, attended and delivered a statement emphasizing that the issue of Japanese military sexual slavery must be resolved, reinforcing the event’s message.
Solidarity speeches followed, including remarks from Lee Eun-jung, Executive Director of Korea Women's Solidarity, and Kim Ju-yeon, member of Korea University’s Peace NABI Network. Their speeches encouraged participants despite the heavy rain.
The demonstration also featured solidarity videos from various countries under the theme "What Does Light Mean to Me?," highlighting diverse perspectives such as women’s rights, pursuit of justice, collective memory and action, support for Korean schools, resistance to war threats, Palestinian liberation, courage in action, and the triumph of truth and peace, reflecting how survivors’ light empowers people.
The atmosphere was further energized by a musical performance from singer Maekbak (Pulse), featuring "Peace is Coming" and "Step by Step," which fostering a sense of solidarity.
Additional solidarity remarks were given by Lim Sa-rang, President of the Y-Teen of the Korean YWCA, and Fujita Chisako, a master’s student at Hitotsubashi University, emphasizing remembrance of survivors’ experiences and commitment to justice.
The 2025 Korean Sovereignty · Peace Act delivered a performance, followed by demonstrations from the 26th Unification Front of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (We Are the Owners of This Land) and 2025 Korean Student Sovereignty · Peace Act (We Are One), reinforcing the call for a world free of discrimination and hatred. Remarks by Park Eun-young, Commander of the 4th Unit of the 26th Unification Front, highlighted the collective desire for a peaceful, war-free society.
Members of the National Assembly supporting the resolution of the Japanese military sexual slavery issue also attended, including Nam In-soon and Park Hong-bae (Democratic Party), Jeong Hye-kyung (Progressive Party), Kim Seon-min, Jeong Chun-saeng, Kang Kyung-suk, Kim Jun-hyung, Baek Sun-hee, Cha Gyu-geun, and Lee Hye-min (Rebuilding Korea Party), expressing their commitment to take action on the issue.
Following a statement read by Lee Na-young, Chair of the Korean Council, the event concluded with a light performance. Each volleyball representing the lights of women’s rights, anti-war peace, and historical justice sent by survivors was celebrated, and participants reflected on actions needed to continue amplifying this light internationally.
The demonstration opened with moderator Park Ji-ha from Tongil-ro, followed by a "Like a Rock" performance by the Peace NABI Network.
Attendees watched the theme video for Memorial Day, which conveyed the message that the light sent by survivors of Japanese military sexual slavery continues to shine worldwide, inspiring the creation of a peaceful and equal society despite ongoing war, conflict, discrimination, and hatred.
Special guest - survivor, human rights activist Lee Yong-soo, attended and delivered a statement emphasizing that the issue of Japanese military sexual slavery must be resolved, reinforcing the event’s message.
Solidarity speeches followed, including remarks from Lee Eun-jung, Executive Director of Korea Women's Solidarity, and Kim Ju-yeon, member of Korea University’s Peace NABI Network. Their speeches encouraged participants despite the heavy rain.
The demonstration also featured solidarity videos from various countries under the theme "What Does Light Mean to Me?," highlighting diverse perspectives such as women’s rights, pursuit of justice, collective memory and action, support for Korean schools, resistance to war threats, Palestinian liberation, courage in action, and the triumph of truth and peace, reflecting how survivors’ light empowers people.
The atmosphere was further energized by a musical performance from singer Maekbak (Pulse), featuring "Peace is Coming" and "Step by Step," which fostering a sense of solidarity.
Additional solidarity remarks were given by Lim Sa-rang, President of the Y-Teen of the Korean YWCA, and Fujita Chisako, a master’s student at Hitotsubashi University, emphasizing remembrance of survivors’ experiences and commitment to justice.
The 2025 Korean Sovereignty · Peace Act delivered a performance, followed by demonstrations from the 26th Unification Front of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (We Are the Owners of This Land) and 2025 Korean Student Sovereignty · Peace Act (We Are One), reinforcing the call for a world free of discrimination and hatred. Remarks by Park Eun-young, Commander of the 4th Unit of the 26th Unification Front, highlighted the collective desire for a peaceful, war-free society.
Members of the National Assembly supporting the resolution of the Japanese military sexual slavery issue also attended, including Nam In-soon and Park Hong-bae (Democratic Party), Jeong Hye-kyung (Progressive Party), Kim Seon-min, Jeong Chun-saeng, Kang Kyung-suk, Kim Jun-hyung, Baek Sun-hee, Cha Gyu-geun, and Lee Hye-min (Rebuilding Korea Party), expressing their commitment to take action on the issue.
Following a statement read by Lee Na-young, Chair of the Korean Council, the event concluded with a light performance. Each volleyball representing the lights of women’s rights, anti-war peace, and historical justice sent by survivors was celebrated, and participants reflected on actions needed to continue amplifying this light internationally.