A Tribute to the Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery: Art that Carries Memory, Voices that Illuminate the Future

- MOGEF to Hold the “2025 Youth Contest on the Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery

- Submissions open until Monday, June 30 for entries in “video/music” and “visual art/design” by elementary, middle, high school, and university students, as well as out-of-school youth aged 24 and under  

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) will host the “2025 Youth Contest on the Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery” (hereinafter “the Contest”) under the theme “Violence, Human Rights, and Peace in Conflict Situations, Including the Issue of the Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery.

- Now in its 12th year, the Contest is part of a commemorative project honoring the victims. It aims to help young people engage with this painful chapter of history with accuracy and express the values of human rights and peace through their own creative work. 

- Eligible participants include elementary, middle, high school, and university students, as well as out of-school youth aged 24 and under. Submissions can be made via the contest website (www.herstorycontest.net) between Friday, May 9 and Monday, June 30. 

The Contest is divided into two categories : video/music and visual art/design.

- A total of 24 works will be selected through a review process. Awards include the Prime Minister’s Prize (2 works), the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education’s Prize (2 works), and the Minister of MOGEF Prize (20 works), along with corresponding cash prizes. 

- The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 14, during the memorial ceremony for the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery. The winning entries will also be showcased in a special exhibition open to the public. 

 Cho Yong-soo, Director-General of the Women’s and Youth Rights Promotion Bureau, stated, “As we mark the meaningful 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, we must once again remember the light born of the courage and solidarity shown by the Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery. 

- He added, “We hope this contest will inspire young people to internalize the importance of human rights and peace and to take part in preserving historical truth. MOGEF will continue to carry out commemorative projects and research aimed at restoring the honor and dignity of each and every victim.”