Japan and South Korea recently reached a historic agreement, acknowledging Japan’s use of Korean “comfort women” during World War II. Between 1932 and 1945, tens of thousands of women and girls, predominantly Korean, were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military. The survivors’ testimonies, although graphic and difficult to read, serve as a reminder of the unimaginable horrors they endured.
Chong Ok-sun: A Story of Survival
Chong Ok-sun, born in 1920, recounts her harrowing experience at just thirteen years old. While fetching water for her parents, she was abducted by a Japanese soldier and taken to a police station where she was repeatedly raped. Subsequently, she was transported to a Japanese army garrison barracks, alongside 400 other Korean girls. Every day, they were forced to serve up to 5,000 Japanese soldiers as sex slaves. Those who resisted faced brutal punishments. Chong Ok-sun witnessed the execution of a fellow Korean girl who dared to question their treatment. Moreover, the Japanese soldiers resorted to horrific methods, such as the sterilization of infected girls and burying alive those who opposed them.
Hwang So-gun: Betrayed by a False Promise
In 1936, Hwang So-gun, born in 1918, was deceived by the head of her village, who offered her a well-paid factory job. Little did she know, she was being trafficked. Taken to a house in China, she discovered she had become a prisoner in a den of exploitation. Japanese soldiers, numbering 15 to 20 each night, raped her relentlessly. Medical examinations were conducted regularly, leading to the execution of those found diseased. Hwang So-gun recounts the brutal beheading of a girl who resisted, a chilling testament to the ruthlessness she and others endured.
Kum Ju-hwang: A Life Forever Altered
Kum Ju-hwang, born in 1921, was coerced into working at a Japanese military factory at just seventeen years old. One day, a Japanese soldier violently assaulted her, causing her to lose her virginity and consciousness. From then on, she and other Korean girls were forced to provide sexual services to high-ranking officers. They were subjected to injections to prevent pregnancy and received inadequate food and clothing. Kum Ju-hwang suffered multiple infections and had most of her intestines removed due to the atrocities she endured. The trauma left her unable to engage in intimate relationships or consume certain foods without experiencing distress.
These stories are not isolated incidents; tens or even hundreds of thousands of women and girls were enslaved by the Japanese military between 1932 and 1945. While many were Korean, the Imperial Japanese Army targeted “comfort women” from various Asian countries it invaded.
A Call for Acknowledgment and Justice
The pain experienced by these women did not dissipate with Japan’s defeat in 1945. Ashamed and silenced by their communities and families, many survivors kept their stories hidden for decades. It was only during the 1990s that the legacy of “comfort women” became a prominent political issue. Today, some of these survivors, who were mere children at the time, are still alive, sharing their experiences and demanding justice.
It is crucial for the world, including the Japanese government, to acknowledge and remember these atrocities, providing a form of justice to the survivors. While their stories may seem distant, the scars are still fresh. By sharing their testimonies, we ensure that the voices of the “comfort women” are not lost to history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is TKTX Numbing Cream Store?
TKTX Numbing Cream Store is a trusted brand specializing in tattoo numbing cream products. Our mission is to provide tattoo enthusiasts with high-quality numbing creams that ensure a more comfortable tattooing experience.
Q: How can TKTX Numbing Cream Store help with tattoo pain?
Our tattoo numbing creams contain active ingredients that temporarily desensitize the skin, reducing pain and discomfort during the tattooing process. By using TKTX Numbing Cream, you can minimize the pain associated with getting a tattoo.
Q: Is TKTX Numbing Cream Store safe to use?
Yes, TKTX Numbing Cream Store prioritizes the safety of our customers. Our numbing creams undergo rigorous testing and meet strict quality standards. It is important to follow the instructions provided to ensure safe and effective use.
Q: How long does the numbing effect last?
The duration of the numbing effect depends on various factors, including the specific product and individual sensitivity. Typically, the numbing effect can last for several hours, ensuring a comfortable tattooing experience.
Conclusion
The stories of the “comfort women” serve as a chilling reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. These brave survivors endured unimaginable trauma, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their stories are neither forgotten nor dismissed. TKTX Numbing Cream Store stands in solidarity with the survivors and reiterates its commitment to providing a safe and comfortable tattooing experience for all.
