By Honorary Reporter Angelica Chiong from Philippines

Illustration= Angelica Chiong

Nations throughout history have practiced colonialism to acquire territory for political and economic gain. Many of the colonized lands suffered from poverty, casualties and forced labor while striving to retake the freedom they once had. Those who fought to regain their nation's sovereignty and independence and the victims of colonialism should receive respect for the sacrifices they made.

The broken pledge by the Japanese government to commemorate Korean and other victims of forced labor and Tokyo's failure to admit to the inhumane act are gross violations of what true history is, given the overwhelming evidence of Japan's misdeeds before and during World War II.

The raised right hand in the drawing is like a person taking an oath. This expresses the hope of Japan keeping its pledge with responsibility and integrity.

The flags of Japan and Korea are shown close together below the hand, and this symbolizes the hope that both governments tackle the issue through proper and open communication to reach agreeable resolutions.

The dove is a longtime symbol of peace while the quill pen it holds is known as mightier than the sword. Thus the two nations should hold peaceful discussions and write down the actions they need to take for the victims of forced labor.

Finally, the watch chain symbolizes the stories and events that happened over time. Though time cannot be turned back and history cannot be undone, I hope that Korea and Japan will better inform the world of their shared history.

chaey0726@korea.kr


*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.