The Statue of Peace is a monument symbolizing the suffering, human rights violations, peace, and justice associated with the Korean and other Asian women forcibly mobilized during the period of Japanese imperialism. Recently, a controversial video by American YouTuber Johnny Somali, in which he insulted the Statue of Peace, has sparked significant outrage in South Korea. While many Koreans understand the meaning and significance of this statue, foreigners may not be familiar with the Statue of Peace and its background. This article aims to not only introduce the statue's meaning and historical context but also to convey the importance of accountability for war crimes and the values of peace and justice.
Statue of Peace - Symbol of Peace and Justice
The Statue of Peace, which depicts young girls forcibly mobilized as "Comfort Women" during the Japanese occupation, was first installed in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, in 2011. Since then, it has been erected in over 30 locations across Korea, as well as in 11 sites worldwide, including the United States, China, Germany, and Japan.
The statue was created to remember the suffering of the victims and to ensure that their voices are never forgotten. The appearance of the young girl symbolizes a lost childhood, with her bare feet and downcast posture conveying deep sorrow. The statue has gradually spread beyond South Korea to other countries, becoming an important symbol of peace and justice, urging the international community to hold Japan accountable for its past war crimes and to demand apology and reflection.
Looking at the Statue of Peace, you'll notice two chairs, with one occupied by a young girl dressed in a hanbok (Traditional Korean garment), sitting with her hands neatly clasped together. Through the symbolic meaning embedded in each part of the statue, one can understand the pain and history it represents, as well as why the recent actions of American YouTuber Johnny Somali have stirred controversy.
1. Hair
In the Joseon Dynasty, even a single strand of hair was considered a gift from one's parents, so people did not cut their hair carelessly. Looking at the hair of the statue, you'll see it is cut short and roughly. This symbolizes the severed connections with family and homeland, as these young girls were forced to leave their parents and country under the coercion of the Japanese government.
2. Bird
The bird not only symbolizes freedom and peace but also serves as a spiritual link between the deceased and the living. It embodies the connection between the former "comfort women" survivors who, after enduring unimaginable hardships as young girls, grew into elderly women with gray hair, and who are now passing away one by one, and those who continue the struggle today.
3. Clenched Hands
The comfort women were forcibly taken by Japan and endured immense suffering and humiliation, yet they have still not received a sincere apology from the Japanese government. Instead, Japan has opposed the installation of the statue and politically pressured the Korean government. The clenched hands resulting on the girl's lap express both the anger toward the Japanese government and a strong resolve to fight against this injustice.
4. The empty chair next to the Statue of Peace
Next to the Statue of Peace, there is an empty chair. This chair symbolizes the absence of the grandmothers who have already passed away, and in another sense, it presents our role in empathizing with the grandmothers' suffering and fighting alongside them.
5. Feet
After liberation from Japanese colonial rule, the women could return to their hometowns. However, they faced unfortunate circumstances, receiving prejudiced stares from people and lacking protection from the Korean government, preventing them from settling comfortably. Their situation, with no place to set their feet at ease, and their disappointment their country, is expressed through the image of the bare feet with raised heels.
6. Shadow
The shadow of the Statue of Peace on the ground is not just a simple shadow but rather the figure of a grandmother with a bent back. This shadow, depicted in broken pieces, symbolizes the difficult and painful lives the grandmothers have endured.
7. White Butterfly in the Shadow
Within the shadow of the Statue of Peace, there is an image of a white butterfly. The butterfly, symbolizing "rebirth," reflects the hope and determination that, although the grandmothers have passed away in old age, they will be reborn as butterflies to eventually receive an apology from Japan.
The meaning of the Statue of Peace goes beyond the pain of the victimized women; it serves as a reminder of universal values of human rights and peace. It raises awareness to prevent the repetition of war and oppression. Many people voluntarily gather around the statue to remember the victims and to convey messages of peace and reconciliation. The role of the statue, as a symbol of responsibility for war crimes and of peace and justice, emphasizes historical truths and the importance of peace, connecting to current human rights issues. Through this, it symbolizes a lesson for the world to learn.
The recent act of defiling the Statue of Peace by American YouTuber Johnny Somali has sparked significant controversy, bringing renewed attention on the historical value and symbolism of the statue. This act can be seen not merely as an individual's behavior but as an example of a lack of understanding of unresolved historical wounds and they symbolism they carry. Many foreigners have started to take an interest in the statue because of this incident, and it is expected that more people will come to understand and support the true meaning and value of the Statue of Peace.
The Statue of Peace carries a message of remembrance, urging us not to forget the pain of historical tragedies and human rights violations. Its value transcends borders, serving as a symbol of peace and reconciliation that all humanity can share. Emphasizing awareness of responsibility for war crimes, historical truths, and the importance of peace, we hope that the values of human rights and reconciliation represented by the Statue of Peace are properly shared.
We also hope that the recent act of defiling the statue of by American YouTuber Johnny Somali serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of the statue's meaning and importance and that appropriate consequences are given. Through this, we aspire for more people to reflect on the values of human rights and peace.
