Gil Won-ok, Advocator for Justice, Passes Away at 96

Gil Won-ok, a survivor and advocate for justice regarding the plight of wartime sex slaves, passed away at the age of 96. Though her death marks the loss of one of the last voices on this issue, her message persists, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and acknowledgment of historical injustices.

Gil Won-ok, a courageous advocate and one of the last survivors of sexual slavery during World War II, passed away in her home in Incheon, South Korea, this week at the age of 96. Gil's passing, confirmed by the South Korean government, is a poignant reminder of the atrocities endured by thousands of women and the ongoing struggle for acknowledgment and reparations from Japan. The cause of her death remains undisclosed; however, it was reported that she had been suffering from Alzheimer’s and other age-related health issues.

Throughout her life, Gil dedicated herself to raising awareness about the suffering of "comfort women," a term used to describe the women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during the war. Even in her final years, she remained vocal in her condemnation of the Japanese government for its refusal to take legal responsibility for these heinous crimes and its lack of compensation to the victims. “My fight for justice will continue beyond my death,” she stated in 2013, emphasizing the resolve of future generations to pursue recognition and accountability for these injustices.

Thanks to her indomitable spirit, a total of 240 South Korean women have come forth to recount their experiences as comfort women since the government began official acknowledgments in the early 1990s. Currently, only seven survivors remain, with an average age of 95. Gil became a symbol of resilience, rallying both local and international support around the need for historical justice.

Her efforts have resonated deeply in South Korea, where the plight of comfort women symbolizes the broader suffering experienced during Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. In recognition of her advocacy, numerous politicians and government officials gathered to honor her life at her funeral, reflecting the significant impact she had on her country's collective memory.

Gil's passing marks not just the end of an era for survivors like her, but also serves as a call to action for ongoing advocacy and the pursuit of justice for the countless women who suffered in silence during wartime.