Comfort Women During WWII
Surviving comfort women at a South Korean protest
Since 1989 there have been accounts from Korean women of forced prostitution at the hands of the Japanese military. The women say they were often enticed by job opportunities, only to be sent to "comfort stations" in many countries, including the Philippines, China, Thailand, and French Indonesia.
According to some historians, women were sent to these brothels in hopes that by having designated areas for sex, soliders would not rape civilians after invasions. Other supposed benefits of having designated sex workers were prevention of venereal diseases, limited exposure to civilians and overall "comfort" to soldiers (Nakamura).
Part of the controversy lies in the fact that these comfort women were paid. If they were paid, they weren't victims, but workers. Yet, as much as 60% of the pay went to the head of the brothel. Furthermore, some documents say the women were not allowed to refuse soldiers. The women could be forced to serve several soldiers in a day.
According to some historians, women were sent to these brothels in hopes that by having designated areas for sex, soliders would not rape civilians after invasions. Other supposed benefits of having designated sex workers were prevention of venereal diseases, limited exposure to civilians and overall "comfort" to soldiers (Nakamura).
Part of the controversy lies in the fact that these comfort women were paid. If they were paid, they weren't victims, but workers. Yet, as much as 60% of the pay went to the head of the brothel. Furthermore, some documents say the women were not allowed to refuse soldiers. The women could be forced to serve several soldiers in a day.
Former Japanese PM Abe Shinzō doesn't buy the story
On one hand, some can argue that sex services and war go hand in hand. Prostitution has been a common war past time, so to speak. But that doesn't make it right. And it only adds salt to the wounds of many when high standing Japanese officials (ie former Prime Minister Shinzō Abe) debate the claim. The fact of the matter is that these women had been been taken advantage of. It reflects heavily on a nation's morality if its leaders don't have the humanity to gracefully admit wrongdoings. That is not to mention that it affects current relations between the nations. It would be best for Japan's foreign relations if they offered a more sincere apology, especially in light of more heavyweight issues. The comfort women issue is not one Japan should gamble with.
Under Duress
One important thing to note is that many Korean women were indeed sold or kidnapped into being comfort women by Korean men. But it's equally important to remember the circumstances their fellow Koreans were in. It was difficult to make a solid living during the Japanese occupation. Ultimately, it can be argued that these Korean men were pressured to do this to the women for the sake of their own life. Indeed, these Korean men and women were victims of circumstance.
One important thing to note is that many Korean women were indeed sold or kidnapped into being comfort women by Korean men. But it's equally important to remember the circumstances their fellow Koreans were in. It was difficult to make a solid living during the Japanese occupation. Ultimately, it can be argued that these Korean men were pressured to do this to the women for the sake of their own life. Indeed, these Korean men and women were victims of circumstance.