Korean Professor Angered by Absence of ‘Forced Labor’ Signage on Japan’s Battleship Island

Professor Seo Kyoung Duk of Sungshin Women’s University is illuminating a critical issue surrounding Japan’s Battleship Island.

On March 21, Professor Seo utilized his social media platform to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the absence of signage at Japan’s Battleship Island commemorating the forced labor of Korean workers.

Professor Seo, a vocal critic of Japan’s attempts to whitewash history, recently embarked on a tour of UNESCO World Heritage sites. His itinerary included coal mines on Hashima Island (Battleship Island), Takashima coal mine, and Miike coal mine– all places where Koreans were subjected to forced labor during Japan’s colonial era.

Professor Seo pointed out that despite the addition of many new signs at Battleship Island since it became a World Heritage site, none of them acknowledge the use of forced Korean labor.

In 2015, Japan pledged to fully disclose the history of the Meiji Industrial Revolution Heritage sites, including the use of Korean forced labor, as part of its UNESCO World Heritage designation. However, nine years later, this promise remains unfulfilled.

Professor Seo criticized the omission of “forced labor” in the multilingual guidebook for Battleship Island. He also pointed out that Japanese tour guides refer to the site as Japanese heritage, neglecting its complex history.

Meanwhile, a travel agency offering tours of Battleship Island is reportedly stepping up efforts to attract tourists. This includes creating a mascot character specifically for Battleship Island.

Professor Seo further emphasized his point by mentioning his visit to the Industrial Heritage Information Center (Battleship Island Exhibition Hall) in Tokyo last year. He also found the exhibits lacking. “Japan’s failure to fulfill its promise needs to be brought to the world’s attention,” he said.

Professor Seo’s resolve to rectify historical distortions remains unwavering. He intends to submit data to UNESCO regarding the current situation at World Heritage sites like Battleship Island, including the Industrial Heritage Information Center’s unfulfilled commitment.

Battleship Island was a site where approximately 600 Koreans were forcibly recruited during the Japanese colonial period. It is believed that many Koreans died from drowning, diseases, and coal mine accidents.

Professor Seo’s efforts to raise awareness about historical matters have been bolstered through collaborations with prominent celebrities. Actress Song Hye Kyo partnered with Professor Seo to educate the public on the importance of remembering independence activists, even providing substantial financial backing to the cause. Producer Na Young Seok recently collaborated with Professor Seo to inform domestic and international audiences concerning the “Dokdo Stronghold” to commemorate Dokdo Day.