Former activist returns to sexual slavery protest following court ruling on corruption scandal

• Published date: 08 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

Youn Mee-hyang, a lawmaker who previously led a civic group supporting victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, returned to the group's street rally Wednesday after a three-year absence, during which she struggled with allegations of corruption.

Youn was indicted in September 2020 on eight counts, including the misappropriation of donations and state subsidies intended for the elderly victims.

On Feb. 10, a lower court acquitted her of all but one charge of embezzlement, which amounted to about 17 million won ($12,875), a significantly smaller amount than originally indicted. She was fined 15 million won.

"It's been so painful and difficult for the past three years," Youn said at the 1,586th weekly protest rally in Seoul by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan.

"I could not but keep my mouth shut while seeing myself unable to do anything even watching my colleagues passing away. I had to remain silent to protect this movement and these activists," she said.

Youn led the group from 2005 until 2020, when she resigned to run...