On May 21, An Anti-Japanese Action Wednesday Cultural Rally titled “End the Pro-Japanese Traitorous Clique! Victory in the Anti-Japanese Struggle!” was held in front of the Japanese Embassy near the Statue of Peace in Seoul, Republic of Korea (the “ROK”).
Thierry Deronne, a Belgian-born Venezuelan film director, Vice President of Vive TV, and political activist, expressed solidarity at the rally. Currently, organized by the World Anti-imperialist Platform and the Youth Platform, Deronne’s film How Venezuela Moved the Mountains is being screened nationwide in the “ROK,” including in cities such as Gwangju, Yanggu, Incheon, Jeonju, Gongju, and Seoul.
The participants and members enthusiastically shouted slogans such as “Arrest the traitor to the nation, Yoon Seok-yeol! Completely dismantle the pro-Japanese traitorous clique! Strongly condemn the terror against the Statue of Peace! Smash the US-Japan war plots! Thoroughly resolve the issue of Japanese military sexual slavery! Victory in the Anti-Japanese struggle!” to signal the start of the rally.
The rally began with an introduction to the Anti-Japanese Action movement. A video showcasing the struggles of the movement was presented, followed by a member’s explanation: “Anti-Japanese Action began with protests against the government’s hasty and treacherous ‘Republic of Korea’-Japan Agreement on the issue of Japanese military sexual slavery, which was made without consulting the victims. Since December 30, 2015, we have been holding a sit-in under a single plastic sheet, and today marks the 3,431st day of our struggle.”
The speaker continued, “Our struggle is not only to restore the dignity of the victims of war crimes but also to crush the risk of imperialist invasion led by the US and Japan. It is a 21st-century independence movement aimed at bringing true freedom and peace to our land, which has yet to be fully liberated.” They added, “We will continue to fight for the resolution of the Japanese military sexual slavery issue and for a world without war, as the victimized grandmothers have hoped.”
Next, an interview with Director Thierry Deronne took place.
The host asked him about his purpose for visiting the “ROK”, what impressed him at the ntionwide tour, and his thoughts on showing solidarity with the Anti-Japanese Action movement.
Thierry responded, “I was deeply moved by the fact that you have been fighting here for thousands of days. The eyes, words, and actions demonstrate that this struggle is writing history. There are many similarities and commonalities between the people of Venezuela and the ”ROK“. We share a common destiny in our fight for liberation from imperialism.” He also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received.
Regarding the screening of his film How Venezuela Moved the Mountains, Thierry mentioned that he was deeply moved by the reactions in places like Yanggu and Incheon. He said, “I felt that we can fight together for the same common goal.” He also mentioned, “I think I can make a political and community-based film similar to Venezuela’s Comuna.”
When asked about his feelings of solidarity, Thierry said, “The role of women in the Venezuelan revolution was crucial. More than half of the film is about women. They say, ‘No one can stop our revolution.’ They were the ones who fought at the front to resist imperialist sanctions.” He added, “I feel many passionate and eager spirits here. You are continuously condemning imperialist war crimes at the Girl Statue of Peace, and history will reveal the truth. The Girl Statue of Peace represents our unity and solidarity. I am convinced that victory is near when I see your expressions.”
He also said, “(In the future), I will break away from bourgeois commercial films and focus on creating independent films. Remarkable changes are happening in countries around the world. The process of achieving liberation in the Third World is leading to great transformations. The liberation of Venezuela and the Republic of Korea is not far off. In Venezuela, President Maduro continues Chavez’s legacy, ‘Comuna o nada (Comuna or nothing).’ I hope this spirit will continue through international solidarity.”
The interview concluded with loud applause. A member of the Anti-Japanese Action movement then took the stage.
The member stated, “The issue of Japanese military sexual slavery and the removal of the Girl Statue of Peace are attempts to erase history and degrade the dignity of our people.” They added, “We must crush Japan’s militaristic ambitions and dismantle the pro-Japanese traitorous clique. A nation that loses its history has no future. It is the duty of future generations to remember and inherit the history of our ancestors.”
The Anti-Japanese Action members ended the rally by singing “Like a Rock.“
Finally, they shouted the slogan, “End Sanctions on Venezuela!” to express solidarity.
