New Law Criminalizes Distribution of False Information on Comfort Women

Citizens pose for a commemorative photo with the Peace Statue in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Seoul. [Photo=Yonhap News]

The new law allows for criminal penalties for the dissemination of false information regarding 'comfort women,' which was previously only punishable under defamation laws. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on June 10 that the revised law on the protection, support, and commemoration of Japanese military 'comfort women' victims will officially take effect on June 11. This law provides a legal framework for the state to respond more actively to acts of historical distortion that defame the honor of 'comfort women' victims and establishes a systematic protection and management system for memorials, including the Peace Statue. The term 'comfort women' refers to those who were forcibly mobilized and subjected to sexual abuse by the Japanese military during World War II. Despite the victims' long-standing efforts to testify about their experiences and promote human rights and peace, acts of denial, distortion, and dissemination of false information have continued. Particularly, acts of vandalism and insult against memorials, such as the Peace Statue, have caused significant emotional distress for the victims and their families, becoming a social issue. Under the new law, those who disseminate false information about the facts of 'comfort women' through newspapers, broadcasts, the internet, exhibitions, performances, discussions, or press conferences may face up to five years in prison or fines of up to 50 million won. Additionally, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will conduct an investigation to assess the status of memorials or sculptures dedicated to 'comfort women' victims. This investigation aims to regularly check the status and preservation of memorials like the Peace Statue across the country and establish a foundation for systematic protection and management of these commemorative spaces. The Ministry has already distributed a standard ordinance on the protection and management of the Peace Statue to local governments and plans to strengthen public management systems for memorials in collaboration with local authorities following the introduction of this investigation system. Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Won Min-kyung, stated, "The courageous testimonies of 'comfort women' victims have left invaluable values of human rights and peace in our society. I hope that with the implementation of this law, the honor and dignity of the victims will be more robustly protected, and that accurate remembrance and education based on historical facts will spread throughout our society."

* This article has been translated by AI.