Controversy Surrounds Berlin’s Statue of Peace
A South Korean diaspora NGO has announced plans to initiate legal action against a local Berlin district in order to preserve a statue that commemorates victims of sexual violence inflicted by Japanese soldiers during World War II. This statue, known as the Statue of Peace, has become a focal point in the ongoing tensions between Japan and South Korea over historical grievances.
The Korea Verband, the organization advocating for the statue’s retention, emphasizes that the memorial serves not only as a tribute to the comfort women—many of whom were Korean—but also as a universal symbol of the suffering faced by women during wartime. Nataly Han, the CEO of Korea Verband, expressed, “In history, I think every woman can imagine what can happen in wartime if you are not protected and the soldiers are coming and raping you. So every woman can identify with the Statue of Peace.”
Installed four years ago near the Korea Verband’s museum, the statue has faced pressure from Japan, which has consistently called for its removal. The Mitte district in Berlin has now ordered the statue to be taken down by the end of the month, citing regulations that limit the duration of temporary art installations in public spaces. Local officials have reported that both Japanese and South Korean representatives have visited their offices, warning of potential diplomatic repercussions should the statue remain.
The district’s spokesperson indicated that discussions regarding aid to Ukraine and the future of the sister-city relationship between Tokyo and Berlin have been raised in these meetings. Japan, however, asserts that it has not threatened to sever ties.
A ‘One-Sided Portrayal’
In a press release issued in May, Berlin’s mayor described the statue as a one-sided portrayal of history, following a meeting with the Japanese foreign minister in Tokyo. The local government has been in talks with the Mitte district and federal authorities about possibly replacing the statue with a more inclusive memorial dedicated to women who have experienced sexual violence in wartime.
Christine Richter, a spokesperson for the Berlin Senate, stated, “The Senate would welcome the prompt erection of such an overarching memorial, as the topic is of great commemorative and socio-political importance.” She emphasized that the partnership between Tokyo and Berlin, which has thrived for three decades, would continue to be expanded.
Felix Doege, a research associate specializing in German-Japanese relations at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, commented on the situation, saying, “I think both partners should be treated quite equally, and so far this case of the comfort women statue in Berlin lacks a bit of that cautious and balanced approach.”
A representative from Germany’s Foreign Office remarked on the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the arts, noting, “The statue in Berlin-Moabit falls under the jurisdiction of the Berlin local district of Mitte. The Foreign Office cannot issue directives to federal states and municipalities regarding this matter.”
In response to the ongoing controversy, the Japanese embassy issued a statement, arguing that the statue fails to acknowledge Japan’s efforts to reconcile the issue of comfort women. In 2015, Japan and South Korea reached an agreement to resolve the dispute, with Japan offering an apology and contributing €8.1 million to a fund for victims.
The Japanese embassy stated, “The content of the inscription that accompanies the statue currently installed in the Mitte district is one-sided, not considering any of Japan’s sincere efforts on the issue of comfort women, and also contains inaccurate descriptions.” They expressed concern that the statue could exacerbate tensions between Japanese and Korean communities, undermining peaceful coexistence.
A petition advocating for the statue’s preservation has collected 3,000 signatures, reflecting local support. Han remarked, “It’s not only our wish, but many people who are living in this area want to keep the Statue of Peace.” This sentiment underscores the complex interplay of memory, history, and community identity in Berlin.