Justice Coalition, Controversial Wednesday Rally... Founders of Jeongdaehyeop "Accounting Fraud Impossible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The 1440th Wednesday Demonstration was held on the 20th, marking the second gathering since grandmother Lee Yong-soo, a victim of the Japanese military sexual slavery, raised allegations of embezzlement of donations by the Justice and Memory Foundation (Jeonguiyeondae).

Jeonguiyeondae held the regular Wednesday demonstration to resolve the issue of Japanese military sexual slavery in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, starting at 12 PM. The event, organized by the Peace Butterfly Network, was broadcast live online.

As with the previous 1439th demonstration, former director Yoon Mi-hyang was not present at this gathering. Instead, Lee Na-young, director of Jeonguiyeondae, attended and read a statement. Director Lee said, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility as I observe the situation since the 7th," and added, "I sincerely apologize for causing emotional wounds to the global citizens and victims who have stood with Jeonguiyeondae."

However, Director Lee also reiterated the request to refrain from speculation and reports based on false information or prejudgment regarding matters that require verification and inspection, as they are currently awaiting procedures following a request for an external audit.

Early founders of the predecessor organization of Jeonguiyeondae, the Council for the Resolution of the Issue of the Military Sexual Slavery (Jeongdaehyeop), also attended the demonstration. They issued a statement at the event, saying, "Recent reports surrounding former director Yoon have left us bewildered and somber," emphasizing, "She started as a secretary at the founding of Jeongdaehyeop and devoted her life solely to the movement, rising to the positions of secretary-general and representative."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

They continued, "While there may have been gaps in accounting management, we have never encountered the unfamiliar situation of accounting fraud throughout Jeongdaehyeop’s long activities, and we are confident that accounting fraud could not have occurred within Jeonguiyeondae."

They added, "We have decided to undergo transparent verification by an external accounting institution, and the process will proceed swiftly, so we kindly ask for your patience," appealing, "We, who have devoted our hearts and efforts to research and activities since the founding of Jeongdaehyeop, earnestly ask for your understanding."

More than 100 people, including some activists and reporters, gathered in front of the Statue of the Girl, where the demonstration was held. Over 1,600 citizens also watched the demonstration via online live streaming.

Meanwhile, near the site of the Wednesday Demonstration, conservative groups critical of Jeonguiyeondae, such as the Anti-Japan Statue Truth Investigation Committee, held counter-demonstrations. YouTubers opposing the Wednesday Demonstration also visited the site. During this process, some heated exchanges occurred among members, but the demonstration concluded without major conflicts.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.