"This year marks the 60th anniversary of Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule. But so much sorrow and shame remains unresolved. The Japanese government has not yet come to terms with the former comfort women."

The "Wednesday Demonstrations" have taken place every week since 1992 here in Seoul, but this Wednesday, protesters at some 30 cities in 10 different countries including the United States and Japan also held the rallies to pressure Tokyo.

So far, the Japanese government has spoken twice on the issue. Originally, it denied military involvement, but after being harshly criticized by victimized countries, Japan admitted that its military did use prostitutes but that they were not forced into service. After another slew of protests, Japan finally admitted in 1993 that force was involved in the sexual slavery.

Even with this concession, Japan refused to give reparation, saying such compensation was included in the 1965 treaty between Korea and Japan.

Estimates show at least 200,000 women, mostly from Korea, China and the Philippines were forced into wartime prostitution for millions of Japanese soldiers stationed throughout Asia.

"We were beaten until blood ran from our bodies. My scars from the knives are still there. They have to pay for the blood we shed. Back then, we had no choice but to follow them because our country was lost, and I was too young. But now it is different."

Although closure seems a long way off, activists here say they will continue to fight for justice even after the victims have passed away. And more younger Koreans are participating.

It's been 60 years since the end of World War II. The former comfort women are now in their 70s and 80s, but they say the protest will continue until the Japanese government grants them the apology and justice they deserve.

Arirang News