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Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, holds a brief press session after concluding his visit to Dokcheon Nakji Street in Hak-san-myeon, Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province, on April 11 as part of his “Listening Tour” across the Namdo Culture Belt. / Source: Yonhap News

Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung expressed his condolences on April 12 following the death of Lee Ok-sun, a survivor of the Japanese military’s wartime sexual slavery system, saying, “We will not forget her wishes.”

In a post on his Facebook page, Lee wrote, “Grandmother Lee Ok-sun, who spent more than 20 years raising global awareness about the atrocities of the Japanese military’s comfort women system, has passed away.”

He added, “It’s been less than three months since we bid farewell to the late Kim Won-ok, and now we must say goodbye to yet another victim. I can’t hold back my sorrow.”

Lee recalled, “Though many suffer hardships in life, Grandmother Lee endured unimaginable pain. At just 14 years old, in the midst of war, she was forced to become a victim of the Japanese military. Taken to a foreign land without understanding why, she was only able to return to Korea in 2000.”

He emphasized that her activism after returning home was a “desperate effort to correct a distorted history.”

Noting the dwindling number of survivors, Lee said, “Now only six victims are still alive. Of the 240 who courageously came forward, 234 have already passed away. This reminds us of the urgent passage of time.” He added, “Our society owes a great debt to these women, who shed light on the pain of state violence and women’s rights, yet we have not fully restored their honor.”

Lee concluded by pledging renewed efforts, especially in this symbolic year marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation and the 60th anniversary of the Korea-Japan normalization treaty. “We will not forget the unfulfilled wishes of the survivors. I will work harder to uncover historical truth, restore their honor, and support the victims.”