Born: 1922
Died: 2017
Biography:
Song Sin-do (Korean: 송신도; November 24, 1922 – December 16, 2017) was a Korean former comfort woman who dedicated her life to seeking justice and recognition for the victims of Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II. She played a vital role in raising awareness about the atrocities committed against comfort women, and her tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the history of women’s rights in East Asia.
Born on November 24, 1922, Song Sin-do grew up in a tumultuous era of Korean history. At the age of 16, she made a daring choice to escape a forced marriage by signing up to assist on the Japanese front line. Little did she know that her decision would lead to unimaginable suffering and decades-long struggle for justice.
Along with thousands of young Korean and Chinese girls, Song Sin-do was deceived into believing that she would work in factories or serve as nurses’ assistants. However, instead of finding herself in a safe environment, she was forced into a comfort house, where she became a sexual slave for seven harrowing years. In addition to enduring unspeakable acts of sexual violence, she was subjected to physical abuse and forced to give away two babies to local families.
When World War II came to an end in 1945, Song found herself without a place to call home. Marrying a Japanese soldier seemed like a solution, but her hopes were dashed when he abandoned her upon their arrival in Japan. Left to navigate the challenges of being a single mother, she found solace in the company of a Korean gentleman named Ha Jae-eun, whom she saw as a father figure.
In 1992, a document exposing the Japanese government’s involvement with military brothels came to light, leading to the formation of a support hotline called ‘Comfort Woman 110.’ It was through this organization that Song’s story was uncovered, and she was encouraged to share her history publicly. Supported by a group of Japanese citizens, Song embarked on a legal battle to receive an official apology for the victims of comfort women.
Although the court recognized the misconduct committed by the Japanese state, it deemed the events too distant in the past to pursue a legal claim. Undeterred, Song and her supporters continued to advocate for an official apology, tirelessly visiting various regions of Japan, particularly high schools, to educate younger generations about the plight of comfort women.
Song’s story caught the attention of filmmakers, and her journey was documented in the film My Heart Is Not Broken Yet. Released in August 2007 in Japan and later in Korea in February 2009, the film aimed to raise awareness and shed light on the experiences of comfort women. Unlike the typical response to military atrocities, Song emphasized that both the soldiers and the comfort women were victims of war. The film featured testimonies from veteran Japanese soldiers and received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling.
Throughout her life, Song Sin-do displayed immense resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable pain and adversity. Her unwavering determination to seek justice and ensure that the history of comfort women is not forgotten serves as an inspiration to countless women around the world. She left behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape the fight for women’s rights and the pursuit of historical truth.