Under a drumming Seoul downpour, 96-year-old Lee Yong-soo took to the stage outside the Japanese embassy, her voice steady despite frailty. As a survivor of the wartime "comfort women" slavery system, she has witnessed three decades of this weekly rally for remembrance and justice.
More than 400 people braved the rain, holding placards, wearing yellow ribbons, and chanting slogans that echo a global call against sexual violence and impunity. “Even with the rain coming down like this, seeing all of you here brings me to tears. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Lee told the crowd, her words carried by the wind.
Since the 1990s, Lee and fellow survivors have kept this protest alive every Wednesday, demanding formal apologies and reparations. Their steadfast activism has inspired human rights advocates, scholars, and young changemakers worldwide, fueling conversations about historical memory and gender justice.
For many young global citizens, Lee’s courage resonates beyond Korea’s borders. Her story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, collective action can reshape the narrative and push societies toward accountability. As the rally ended, the crowd dispersed, yellow ribbons fluttering like beacons of hope—a testament to the power of one voice amplified by many.
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Japanese wartime sexual slavery survivor gives moving speech at rally
cgtn.com
