Korean Victims Finally Honored with Hiroshima Memorial After Decades

For many years, Korean victims of the Hiroshima atomic bombing were denied an official memorial to honor their suffering. It wasn't until the late 1990s that a dedicated cenotaph was finally erected in Hiroshima Peace Park to acknowledge and commemorate their ordeal. Bae Kyung-mi, who was just five years old when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, symbolizes the countless Korean civilians affected by the tragedy. Despite the widespread destruction and loss, recognition of Korean victims lagged for decades. This delayed acknowledgment reflects the complex history and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the bombings. The addition of the Korean victims' memorial in the late 20th century marked a significant step toward acknowledging their suffering and integrating their experiences into the broader narrative of Hiroshima's history.