Gil Won-ok's legacy as a symbol of resistance against historical injustice will endure long after her passing.
Gil Won-ok, Advocate for Comfort Women Justice, Passes Away at 96
Gil Won-ok, Advocate for Comfort Women Justice, Passes Away at 96
Respected Korean survivor of wartime sexual slavery tirelessly lobbied for an apology and reparations from Japan.
Gil Won-ok, who bravely spoke out about her horrific experiences as a Korean sex slave during World War II, has passed away at the age of 96 at her home in Incheon, South Korea. Known for her relentless advocacy, Gil worked to raise awareness about the plight of "comfort women," a term used to describe the thousands of women who were coerced into sexual slavery by Japanese soldiers during the conflict. The South Korean government confirmed her death on Sunday, which they correlated with her age and deteriorating health, including struggles with Alzheimer’s disease.
Throughout her life, Gil was an outspoken critic of the Japanese government, continuously demanding accountability and reparations for the injustices inflicted upon her and her fellow survivors. Even in her later years, she maintained hope for the continuation of the fight for justice. “It will not be over with our death,” Gil once declared, underscoring the importance of her message to future generations.
In the years since South Korea began documenting the testimonies of survivors in the early 1990s, around 240 women have come forward to share their painful histories. Today, only seven of these women remain, with an average age nearing 95. Gil's advocacy transformed the perception of comfort women in South Korea, making their stories a poignant symbol of the country’s struggle for recognition and justice from Japan regarding its colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.
In honor of Gil's lifelong commitment to her cause, a procession of dignitaries attended her funeral, remembering her courage and resilience in the face of deep-seated pain and injustice.
Throughout her life, Gil was an outspoken critic of the Japanese government, continuously demanding accountability and reparations for the injustices inflicted upon her and her fellow survivors. Even in her later years, she maintained hope for the continuation of the fight for justice. “It will not be over with our death,” Gil once declared, underscoring the importance of her message to future generations.
In the years since South Korea began documenting the testimonies of survivors in the early 1990s, around 240 women have come forward to share their painful histories. Today, only seven of these women remain, with an average age nearing 95. Gil's advocacy transformed the perception of comfort women in South Korea, making their stories a poignant symbol of the country’s struggle for recognition and justice from Japan regarding its colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.
In honor of Gil's lifelong commitment to her cause, a procession of dignitaries attended her funeral, remembering her courage and resilience in the face of deep-seated pain and injustice.
