In brief
Gil Won-ok, a prominent figure in the movement for justice for wartime sexual slavery survivors, passed away at the age of 96. Her relentless calls for acknowledgment and reparations from Japan inspire future generations in the fight for historical justice.
Gil Won-ok, a distinguished survivor and advocate for women subjected to sexual slavery during World War II, passed away at her home in Incheon, South Korea, on February 18, 2025, at the age of 96. Known for her fierce campaign seeking formal acknowledgment and reparations from the Japanese government, Gil's death has sparked renewed conversation about the plight of “comfort women,” a term used to describe those who endured such harrowing experiences.The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed, but South Korean officials confirmed that Gil had been battling Alzheimer’s and other age-related ailments in her final years. Despite her declining health, she remained a vocal critic of Japan's refusal to accept responsibility and compensate the victims of wartime atrocities. She often articulated her concerns, asserting that her fight transcended her personal experience, vowing that future generations would continue to seek justice.Throughout her life, Gil relentlessly lobbied for international support, ensuring the narrative of the comfort women would not be forgotten. Since the early 1990s, over 240 South Korean women have come forward to share their stories, yet only seven remain alive today, highlighting the urgent need for acknowledgment and justice as they age.Gil's passing has drawn attention from politicians and officials across South Korea, many of whom paid their respects at her funeral or sent tributes in honor of her legacy. Building on her commitment, she famously stated in 2013, "They are wrong if they think it will be over when the last of us die," reaffirming the enduring nature of the quest for justice.A symbol of resilience amidst colonial hardships, Gil Won-ok will be remembered not only for her fight for acknowledgment but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who survive such traumatic histories. Her legacy ensures that efforts to seek justice and reparations will continue long after her passing.
