Koreans Going to Germany Demanding Removal of Girl Statue... Germans Also React "Unbelievable"

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On October 13, 2020, about 200 people participated in a protest against the demolition order of the 'Statue of Peace' in front of the Mitte District Office in Berlin, Germany. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As domestic far-right figures plan to hold protests demanding the removal of the 'Statue of Peace' in Berlin, Germany, from the 25th to the 30th, Germans are also showing puzzled reactions.

On the 23rd, Han Jeong-hwa, president of the Korea Council of Korean Associations in Germany, stated in an interview with TBS Radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory,' "Japanese far-right groups have been sending malicious emails over the past two years, causing great difficulties for the Mitte District Office in Germany, where the Statue of Peace is installed. Recently, conservative groups from Korea have also sent such emails, making the situation even more difficult."

He added that Germans have contacted him, saying, "They informed me that these are people who deny the issue of Japanese military comfort women and distort history," and said, "Since there are people who distort history even in Germany, when you mention 'historical distortion,' they quickly recognize it and keep their distance."

The Statue of Peace was installed in Berlin's Mitte District on September 25, 2020, for a one-year period. The Japanese government requested its removal from the German side, and the Mitte District issued a removal order just two weeks after installation.

However, after the Korea Council filed a request to suspend the enforcement of the removal order and engaged in legal battles, along with rising public criticism, the Mitte District decided to preserve the statue.

Following the recommendation of the district office's Urban Space Art Committee last year, the installation period was extended by one year until September 28 of this year.

According to Sankei reports, in January, Joo Ok-soon, head of the Korean Mothers' Group, and Lee Woo-yeon, co-author of 'Anti-Japan Tribalism,' formed an organization called the 'Comfort Women Fraud Settlement Solidarity.'

They are expected to visit Berlin to submit statements and opinions to the Mitte District authorities and the Berlin City Council, and to hold a local press conference. A protest demanding the removal of the statue near the site is also planned.

Joo was previously sentenced to four months in prison with a one-year probation in 2018 for distributing leaflets containing false information accusing the Japanese military 'comfort women' victims of being politically exploited.

When asked about local reactions in Germany, President Han replied, "At first, everyone couldn't believe it, but when I explained that 'this is a remnant of colonial rule,' they somewhat understood."

He continued, "I have informed German officials that these are people who deny the Japanese military comfort women issue and distort history," adding, "The far-right wants to meet with German officials, but I am not sure if that is possible."

Regarding the question, "Is it possible in Germany to livestream on YouTube in front of symbolic statues like the Statue of Peace and open donation accounts?" President Han firmly stated, "It is not possible. Holocaust distortion and acts insulting survivors in front of Holocaust memorials are absolutely illegal." He also emphasized, "The Settlement Solidarity requested a meeting with us, but we have not responded."

Furthermore, President Han urged, "The Justice Memory Solidarity is collecting signatures for the permanent preservation of the Statue of Peace in Berlin until the 30th. I hope everyone will participate. You can also send handwritten letters to the Mitte District Office requesting the preservation of the statue. Please send handwritten letters instead of emails, as emails interfere with their work."

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