On Thursday, November 13, the Korean held its annual appreciation gala to mark the 35th anniversary of the movement for a just resolution of the Japanese military sexual slavery issue.
As in previous years, the gala opened with a powerful performance by the Korean Council’s dance group Pihyupa (Peace Road Human Fighter), setting an energetic tone for the event. Chairperson Lee Na-young then delivered opening remarks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who joined in solidarity and support as attendees watched a video highlighting the Korean Council’s activities throughout an exceptionally turbulent year, since Yoon Suk-yeol's insurrection. The hall filled with a mix of sighs and laughter.
[2025 Activity Video]
[2025 Appreciation Gala, Support Messages]
Following introductions of all participants, the audience viewed special congratulatory video messages sent in celebration of the 35th anniversary. These moments offered a meaningful reminder of the wide-ranging network of solidarity organizations and supporters across diverse sectors who continue to stand alongside the Korean Council.
The highlight of the evening was the Butterfly Awards, which honor individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions over the past year toward achieving justice for survivors of the Japanese military sexual slavery. The 2025 Kim Bok-dong Peace and Human Rights Award (Activist Award) was presented to Jeon Ok-hee.
A newly established honor, the Kim Bok-dong Peace and Human Rights Award – Emerging Scholar Award, was created to encourage and support early-career researchers. Its inaugural recipients were Son Sunhee, Woo Jun-ha, and Alessia Comi.
The Kim Hak-soon Award was presented to the Japanese Military “Comfort Women” Task Force of MINBYUN (Lawyers for a Democratic Society), while the Kang Deok-kyung Award was awarded to graphic novelist Geum-suk Gendry-Kim.
The Butterfly’s Dream Award went to Ki Haneul and Hyun Seoyoung. We extend our warmest congratulations and deepest gratitude to all award recipients for their passionate and dedicated work throughout the year.
The atmosphere grew even warmer with an activist performance by Gamja. A heartfelt rendition of “If Spring Comes,” sung with a fake guitar assembled from a cardboard box earlier that morning, was met with enthusiastic calls for an encore. When the encore song “I Am a Butterfly” began, the audience joined in singing, creating a deeply moving collective moment. The excitement continued with a long-awaited raffle, featuring more than 30 prizes, as cheers and applause filled the hall.
The evening concluded with a closing performance by Pihyupa dancing to “Like a Rock,” the iconic song of the Wednesday Demonstrations. Participants rose from their seats to dance along, carrying the night’s passion and solidarity through to the very end.
The gala was a powerful reminder that throughout the past 35 years, marked by hardship, resilience, and perseverance in the struggle for justice, supporters and allies have always walked alongside the movement. Thanks to this unwavering solidarity and encouragement, the Korean Council has gained renewed strength and courage to move forward toward the next 35 years. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us in person and to all who stood with us in their heart. In the remaining months of this year and throughout 2026, the Korean Council will continue to walk the path toward historical justice, human rights, and peace with unwavering determination and hope. Thank you.
On Thursday, November 13, the Korean held its annual appreciation gala to mark the 35th anniversary of the movement for a just resolution of the Japanese military sexual slavery issue.
[2025 Activity Video]
[2025 Appreciation Gala, Support Messages]
Following introductions of all participants, the audience viewed special congratulatory video messages sent in celebration of the 35th anniversary. These moments offered a meaningful reminder of the wide-ranging network of solidarity organizations and supporters across diverse sectors who continue to stand alongside the Korean Council.
The highlight of the evening was the Butterfly Awards, which honor individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions over the past year toward achieving justice for survivors of the Japanese military sexual slavery. The 2025 Kim Bok-dong Peace and Human Rights Award (Activist Award) was presented to Jeon Ok-hee.
A newly established honor, the Kim Bok-dong Peace and Human Rights Award – Emerging Scholar Award, was created to encourage and support early-career researchers. Its inaugural recipients were Son Sunhee, Woo Jun-ha, and Alessia Comi.
The Kim Hak-soon Award was presented to the Japanese Military “Comfort Women” Task Force of MINBYUN (Lawyers for a Democratic Society), while the Kang Deok-kyung Award was awarded to graphic novelist Geum-suk Gendry-Kim.
The Butterfly’s Dream Award went to Ki Haneul and Hyun Seoyoung. We extend our warmest congratulations and deepest gratitude to all award recipients for their passionate and dedicated work throughout the year.
The atmosphere grew even warmer with an activist performance by Gamja. A heartfelt rendition of “If Spring Comes,” sung with a fake guitar assembled from a cardboard box earlier that morning, was met with enthusiastic calls for an encore. When the encore song “I Am a Butterfly” began, the audience joined in singing, creating a deeply moving collective moment. The excitement continued with a long-awaited raffle, featuring more than 30 prizes, as cheers and applause filled the hall.
The evening concluded with a closing performance by Pihyupa dancing to “Like a Rock,” the iconic song of the Wednesday Demonstrations. Participants rose from their seats to dance along, carrying the night’s passion and solidarity through to the very end.
The gala was a powerful reminder that throughout the past 35 years, marked by hardship, resilience, and perseverance in the struggle for justice, supporters and allies have always walked alongside the movement. Thanks to this unwavering solidarity and encouragement, the Korean Council has gained renewed strength and courage to move forward toward the next 35 years. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us in person and to all who stood with us in their heart. In the remaining months of this year and throughout 2026, the Korean Council will continue to walk the path toward historical justice, human rights, and peace with unwavering determination and hope. Thank you.