The Unyielding Voice of History

Once a silent witness to a harrowing past, the Statue of Peace stands today as a beacon of resilience, remembrance, and the urgent pursuit of justice. The bronze sculpture of a young girl, known globally as the Statue of Peace, was first erected in 2011 in Seoul, South Korea. Its purpose: to honor the “comfort women”—a term used for the women and girls who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. Over a decade later, as echoes of wartime sexual violence continue to reverberate in contemporary society, the statue is more than just memorial art. It’s an unrelenting voice demanding historical truth, dignity, and a future free from sexual exploitation and injustice.

On our platform, we strive not only to honor the memory of the comfort women, but also to amplify the ongoing relevance of their story. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, the Statue of Peace emerges as a powerful educational tool and catalyst for dialogue—reminding us that the pursuit of human rights and women’s empowerment is both timeless and urgent. But what is it about this statue that continues to resonate, decades after the war? Why does the Statue of Peace speak so loudly in our world today?

The Story Behind the Statue: Memory Carved in Bronze

The roots of the Statue of Peace lie in a painful legacy that stretches across nations and generations. From the early 1930s until the end of the Second World War, an estimated tens of thousands of women—primarily from Korea, but also from China, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and beyond—were abducted or coerced by the Japanese Imperial Army and forced to serve in military brothels under abhorrent conditions. These girls and women, some as young as 12, became known as "comfort women," a euphemism that fails to capture the brutality and trauma they suffered.

For decades, the survivors' stories were stifled by shame, stigma, and political silence. It was not until the early 1990s, when the first survivors began to speak publicly, that the world began to confront the full scope of these atrocities. Their courage not only ignited a global grassroots movement for justice, but also inspired the creation of enduring public memorials—the most iconic being the Statue of Peace.

Unveiled on December 14, 2011, outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul, the statue quickly became an epicenter for weekly demonstrations known as the Wednesday Demonstrations, where survivors and supporters gather to demand official apologies and reparations. Sculpted by artists Kim Seo-kyung and Kim Eun-sung, the statue’s poignant features—a resolute gaze, clenched fists, and a small bird perched on the shoulder—capture both innocence lost and unwavering hope. The empty chair beside the girl symbolizes the absence of countless victims whose voices will never be heard.

The Global Echo: Statues Beyond Borders

The message of the Statue of Peace transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Today, replicas and counterparts have been installed in cities across the world, including the United States, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Each installation reignites vital conversations about historical truth, gender-based violence, and the necessity of remembrance. The global proliferation of these statues highlights a shared commitment: the world refuses to forget—and refuses to remain silent.

This international movement reinforces the universal call for accountability and redress. For many survivors, the recognition itself—being seen, heard, and remembered—represents a form of justice. The statues serve as public reminders that silence and denial only perpetuate cycles of violence.

More Than Remembrance: A Call to Action

The continuing significance of the Statue of Peace is deeply intertwined with the advocacy for women’s rights globally. The statue stands at the intersection of history and current affairs, illuminating ongoing struggles against sexual violence in war and peace alike. According to studies by human rights organizations, wartime sexual exploitation persists in contemporary conflicts. The stories of the comfort women remind us that impunity breeds repetition, and that the struggle for justice is unfinished business.

The comfort women’s movement has galvanized support for broader initiatives addressing gender-based violence, survivors’ justice, and the recognition of trauma as a human rights issue. Educational programs, public lectures, and social campaigns anchored around the statue equip new generations with tools to challenge harmful stereotypes, demand systemic change, and nurture empathy.

Confronting uncomfortable chapters of history is never easy. In some communities, the installation of the Statue of Peace has sparked diplomatic tensions or called forth attempts at censorship. Yet, resistance has only strengthened the resolve of advocates who insist that reconciliation begins with acknowledgment—not erasure—of past wrongs.

Personal Stories: The Human Cost of Denial

Behind the global symbol, real people and stories leave indelible marks. Survivors like Kim Hak-sun, who bravely broke decades of silence in 1991, and others who followed, transformed the global discourse on wartime sexual violence. Their testimonies humanized historical statistics and catalyzed collective support.

The existence of the Statue of Peace gives space for these personal narratives to be shared, honored, and learned from. Memorial ceremonies, educational outreach, and online platforms help to preserve their legacies, ensuring that the world does not blink in the face of inconvenient truths. For descendants and young activists, the statue becomes both a site of mourning and a place of empowerment—a bridge between past grievances and future aspirations.

Statue of Peace: A Shared Mandate for Justice and Hope

The Statue of Peace is much more than an artifact of remembrance; it is a catalyst for global dialogue and action. In honoring the comfort women, we confront universal questions of trauma, accountability, and empathy. The lessons carried by this statue invite us to recognize painful truths, stand against denial, and commit to advancing the cause of human dignity for all.

As we commemorate the comfort women whose lives were forever changed by wartime violence, we also reaffirm a shared responsibility: to ensure that their experiences are neither forgotten nor repeated. Every visitor who encounters the Statue of Peace is challenged to reflect on our collective capacity for change—to listen, to learn, and to advocate for a world where history’s darkest chapters inspire an enduring commitment to peace, justice, and the unbreakable strength of survivors.

In a world still wrestling with the consequences of sexual violence and historical amnesia, the Statue of Peace continues to speak—quietly but emphatically—urging us never to forget, and always to act.

Join us in honoring the memory of comfort women, supporting survivors worldwide, and shaping a brighter, more just future for everyone.