North Korean A-bomb survivors’ group in Hiroshima holds general meeting
Nov. 13, 2012
by Aya Kano, Staff Writer
The Council of Atom-bombed Koreans in Hiroshima, chaired by Lee Sil Gun, held a general meeting in Minami Ward, Hiroshima, on November 8. It was reported that Kim Jin Ho, executive director of the organization, will visit North Korea for eight days from November 12. The objectives of this visit are to survey the actual conditions of A-bomb survivors living in the country, which currently has no diplomatic relations with Japan, and to discuss support measures for those survivors.
According to the council, there were 382 A-bomb survivors in North Korea in 2008. Mr. Kim will exchange views with a local group of survivors, among other parties, and seek information to help implement support measures. “In ten years, there may be no A-bomb survivors in North Korea,” he said. “I would like to increase the range of support they receive.”
About 50 members attended the meeting. The participants made the decision to organize a new group of second-generation survivors in order to hand down A-bomb experiences. Other business included Mr. Lee’s reelection as chairman and an increase in the number of board members from three to nine. The executive director is a newly-created position, and Mr. Kim, who assumed the role on November 8, also serves as permanent adviser to the prefectural chapter of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan.
(Originally published on November 9, 2012)
The Council of Atom-bombed Koreans in Hiroshima, chaired by Lee Sil Gun, held a general meeting in Minami Ward, Hiroshima, on November 8. It was reported that Kim Jin Ho, executive director of the organization, will visit North Korea for eight days from November 12. The objectives of this visit are to survey the actual conditions of A-bomb survivors living in the country, which currently has no diplomatic relations with Japan, and to discuss support measures for those survivors.
According to the council, there were 382 A-bomb survivors in North Korea in 2008. Mr. Kim will exchange views with a local group of survivors, among other parties, and seek information to help implement support measures. “In ten years, there may be no A-bomb survivors in North Korea,” he said. “I would like to increase the range of support they receive.”
About 50 members attended the meeting. The participants made the decision to organize a new group of second-generation survivors in order to hand down A-bomb experiences. Other business included Mr. Lee’s reelection as chairman and an increase in the number of board members from three to nine. The executive director is a newly-created position, and Mr. Kim, who assumed the role on November 8, also serves as permanent adviser to the prefectural chapter of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan.
(Originally published on November 9, 2012)
