By Kim Se-jeong
The girl statue in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul can now stay there permanently. The Jongno District Office made a legislative move this week to protect the symbol of young sex slaves, mostly Koreans, exploited by Japanese troops before and during World War II.
According to the office, the district council ratified the ordinance to designate the statue as public property. Going into effect July 1, the ordinance will require permission from the district office for removal. The district office will also undertake maintenance on and around the statue.
The statue, erected in 2011, has been a subject of dispute with Japan as it wants it removed.
The demand grew particularly stronger after a December 2015 statement when the two countries’ top diplomats announced the issue of sexual slavery was permanently “resolved” with Japan’s one-time financial contribution to the Korean government for the care of surviving victims.
As for the statue, Korea recognized Japan’s concern and said it “will strive to solve this issue in an appropriate manner.” Japan viewed the statement as Korea’s willingness to remove it.
The new ordinance was a result of orchestrated acts among local governments. Reportedly, the idea came from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Similar statues have also been erected in other parts of the country, and Jongno’s move may encourage other local governments to follow suit.
Thursday’s move is expected to further escalate tension between Korea and Japan regarding wartime sex slaves, who are also called “comfort women.”
In a recent phone conversation with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in May, new President Moon Jae-in said many Koreans citizens cannot accept the 2015 statement. New Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has also echoed this view.