Food for Thoughts About Comfort Women Girl Statue in Berlin
Native Korean’s viewpoint of the Comfort Women Girl Statue in Berlin.
When I heard the news about the Statue of Peace (Comfort Women Statue) being in danger of removal, I had no hard feelings to send them a petition to the city of Berlin.
News: https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/1141290
While I am not an advocate of politic, I’m someone who has passionately studied my country’s history in order to prevent a similar mistake from happening again. As the old saying goes: “History repeats itself”.
We, Korean wanted a sincere apology from the Japanese government for the war crimes committed during World War II, including their willing acceptance of the comfort women system. Despite this, the Japanese government is busy whitewashing its history, idolising World War II, and, even worst of all, teaching a distorted version of history that deviated from the truth. (I have no bad feelings for the Japanese people, but only their government.)
That’s why we erected the Statue of Peace in Berlin - to remember the true history of what happened and Japan inflicted upon us. I do not say this point from a victim mentality. Because Korea traditionally views Japan as a neighbor, we learn from each other in all aspects of national development and economic growth, considering them as a role model.
The Koreans’ Lens Toward Germany
However, the Berlin mayor hinted at taking down the statue for the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Berlin and Tokyo. What he missed here, is “The long term consequences”.
Many Koreans view Germany as a model for high standard form of confronting the atrocities it committed during WW2. Germany has acknowledged its history and taken responsibility for its actions. Unlike Japan, They teach their history honestly,
if Germany tears down the Comfort Women statue, it would be akin to distorting history, similar to Japan’s approach.
Removing the statue would cause widespread disappointment among Koreans toward Germany, and risk damaging the strong relationship between Korea and Germany. As a result, it could lead to a significant decline in tourism.
We, Korean believe forgiveness and reconciliation are essential for moving forward. Not revenge as “An eye for an eye”.
The statue is a powerful symbol for many Koreans at least from Baby boomers to the Millennium generation in Korea, perhaps, keeping the statue promotes reflection on the past for both Koreans and Germans.
I urge the Mayor of Berlin to consider both the immediate and long-term consequences of removing the statue. As the saying goes, “You can’t chase two rabbits at once.” By taking down the statue, Germany risks damaging its relationship with Korea. However, by allowing the statue to remain, Germany can serve as a bridge between the two countries, fostering peace and understanding.
I truly hope Germany can serve as a bridge between Korea and Japan, fostering reconciliation as they both grapple with this difficult past.
I believe this challenge can be transformed into an opportunity for positive change.
Thank you for reading it :)
