Commemorative Event Held in Hiroshima for Victims of the Korean Atomic Bomb Explosion
In the heart of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, a poignant event took place on August 2, 2025. For the first time, a memorial ceremony was held, specifically dedicated to honouring Korean victims of the 1945 atomic bombing [2][3][5]. This significant occasion was organised by a group of Korean atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) living in Japan.
The Monument to Korean Victims and Survivors, a permanent fixture in the Peace Park, serves as a symbol of recognition for the Korean nationals who were in Hiroshima during the bombing [1]. Many Koreans had migrated to Japan seeking work around the time of Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910, and some perished or were affected by the bombing.
This year's memorial event marked a significant milestone, as it was the inaugural focused memorial ceremony organised by Korean survivors themselves. This reflects increased recognition of their specific experiences and losses [2][3].
The ceremony was attended by around 110 people, including survivors and bereaved relatives. The attendees offered flowers and silent prayers for those who perished in the bombing. The prefectural group leader, exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing while in utero, expressed a hope for intergenerational collaboration to preserve memories and lessons of the atomic bombing.
As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing and the end of World War II, this ceremony in Hiroshima, western Japan, serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of such weapons. The Korean Residents Union in Japan (Mindan) will hold their annual memorial for atomic bomb victims on August 5, the day before the 80th anniversary of the bombing.
References:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Korean Residents Union in Japan
- Korean Victims Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima
- Atomic Bomb Survivors in Hiroshima
- Korean Atomic Bomb Survivors in Japan
The Monument to Korean Victims and Survivors was adorned with flowers during the Korean Victims Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima, a poignant event aimed at shedding light on the experiences of the Korean nationals who suffered during war-and-conflicts. This general-news story also highlights the role of politics, as the ceremony marked a significant milestone in the recognition of Korean victims' specific experiences and losses, reflecting an increased emphasis on their plight.
