Government Holds Separate Memorial for Korean Victims of Sado Mine; "Half" Ceremony Held for Third Year Amid Japan's Lack of Remorse

On the 13th, a memorial service honoring Korean victims of forced mobilization at the Sado Gold Mine was held in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, under the leadership of the South Korean government. The ceremony has been held in a “half-hearted” manner for the third consecutive year because the Japanese government has not acknowledged the forced labor.

Attendees pose for a commemorative photo at the Memorial Service for Korean Victims of Forced Mobilization at Sado Mine, organized by the Korean government in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, on the 13th. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nine family members, along with government officials including South Korean Ambassador to Japan Lee Hyuk, attended this year’s memorial service. Choi Jaesik delivered the eulogy on behalf of the families. “My father was taken to the deep, dark tunnels of the Sado mine when he was still a young man, not yet 20,” Choi said. “It was only long after my father passed away that I learned of the traces of the hardship he endured in that darkness.” Choi continued, “My father was more upright than anyone I knew and could not tolerate injustice. The memory of being forcibly conscripted must have been a painful wound that he could not bring himself to speak of. I can feel deep in my heart the anger and tears he had to swallow, and I am overcome with emotion.” Choi paid tribute to the deceased.

In his eulogy, Ambassador Lee, who attended on behalf of the government, said, “Remembering the suffering and sorrow of those who endured harsh labor and poor living conditions, I offer my heartfelt condolences and pay tribute to them.” Contrasting the ceremony with the Japanese government-led service held unilaterally last September, which did not acknowledge the forced mobilization, he added, “Today’s ceremony will be an opportunity for everyone to gain a full understanding of the entire history of the Sado Gold Mine as a World Heritage Site. I hope that South Korea and Japan will remember together the history of suffering and pain and move toward a bright future of cooperation and solidarity.”

After the ceremony, the family members visited the site of the dormitory where Korean workers had stayed and laid flowers. They also visited key sites associated with the Korean workers and paid their respects.

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