South Korea honors 'comfort women' with rally, new statue (11 images)

Thousands of South Koreans participated in events to mark International Memorial Day for Comfort Women on Wednesday in Seoul, where the issue of wartime forced labor has grown into a trade dispute. Protesters rallied outside the Japanese Embassy, calling for an apology and reparations for Japan's World War II victimization of Koreans.

Former South Korean comfort woman Lee Yong-soo poses for photographers during the unveiling ceremony for a new statue dedicated to the World War II forced laborers in Seoul. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI

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In a separate event, protesters shout during a demonstration in front of the Japanese Embassy. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI

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South Korean police officers stand guard over the demonstrations, the continuation of a weekly protest that has gone on for 27 years. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI

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The rally comes as a trade dispute rages between the two countries. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI

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