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Family Donates 10 Million Won to Honor Late Activist for Comfort Women Rights
Image: Wikimedia-Claire Solery
In a touching act of remembrance, the family of Gil Won-ok—a passionate activist and survivor of the Japanese military’s wartime sexual slavery—made a generous donation of 10 million won (approximately $7,010) to women’s rights facilities in Incheon. This thoughtful gesture was officially presented to Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok on February 24, 2025, just days after her passing on the 16th at the age of 97.
The donation ceremony brought together Gil’s son, Pastor Hwang Seon-hee, her daughter-in-law Jo Geun-soon, and Kim Seok-soon, the director of the Incheon Sexual Violence Counseling Center, which operates under the auspices of Incheon Metropolitan City. This pivotal contribution stems from a legacy of compassion that Gil embodied throughout her life.
Born in Huichon, located in what is now North Korea, in 1928, Gil’s journey took a harrowing turn when she was just 13 years old. Hoping for employment in a factory, she was instead abducted into a life of forced sexual slavery for the Japanese Imperial Army during the brutal era of colonization from 1910 to 1945. Her resilience led her to come forward as a victim in 1998, marking the beginning of her relentless pursuit of justice and truth regarding the abuses suffered by comfort women.
Over the years, Gil became a powerful voice for the voiceless, testifying at various international platforms such as the UN Human Rights Council and the International Labor Organization (ILO) General Assembly. Her determined advocacy took her across multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, and throughout Europe, as she highlighted the plight of victims of wartime sexual violence.
Her family shared that after reflecting on her legacy following her funeral, they felt compelled to continue her mission of kindness and support. “Our mother engaged in many acts of kindness when she was alive,” they stated, emphasizing their desire to honor her memory through meaningful contributions.
The donation will specifically aid the establishment of a mental and physical recovery program room at the Incheon Sexual Violence Counseling Center. This new initiative, aptly named “Gil,” seeks to create a sanctuary for victims of sexual violence, enabling them to heal in a safe and nurturing environment. Kim Seok-soon voiced the center’s commitment, stating, “We will do our best to make the Gil program a space that gives hope and courage to victims.”
Incheon Mayor Yoo echoed these sentiments, affirming that providing a stable healing space for survivors is a profound way to honor Gil’s enduring spirit. “Incheon City will also respect the human rights of victims of Japanese military comfort women and continue to work toward a just resolution,” he assured.
As the community reflects on Gil Won-ok’s extraordinary contributions, her passing marks a heartfelt moment of loss, with the number of surviving comfort women dwindling to just seven. Of the total 240 victims registered with the Korean government, only a handful remain alive, highlighting the urgent need for continued advocacy and support for those affected by these historical injustices.
