The Peace Statue was erected to honor the Asian women who were forcibly recruited as "comfort women" during World War II, symbolizing the global call for historical justice and human rights. The first statue was unveiled in Seoul, South Korea, in 2011, followed by replicas in cities worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
Designed by artist Kim Soo-kun, the sculpture depicts a young girl sitting with her head bowed, holding a book—symbolizing knowledge and hope. It commemorates the systemic sexual slavery inflicted by Imperial Japan on tens of thousands of women, a deeply sensitive issue in South Korea-Japan relations.
Every year on December 10 (Human Rights Day), local communities and international organizations hold memorial ceremonies featuring flower offerings, testimonial readings, and peace prayers. These events serve not only to preserve historical memory but also to foster intergenerational dialogue and social justice.
Visitors are encouraged to show respect: avoid disruptive photography and maintain solemnity, helping uphold this globally significant symbol of human dignity and remembrance.