Families of Koreans forcibly conscripted by Japan during World War II filed a lawsuit in South Korea on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, demanding the removal of their relatives' names from Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine. The plaintiffs argue that enshrining the deceased without consent perpetuates historical trauma and glorifies Japan's wartime actions.
Ten relatives of Korean soldiers and civilian workers seek 880 million won ($594,000) in damages from the Japanese government and the shrine. Approximately 20,000 Koreans are believed to be listed at Yasukuni, which honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals alongside fallen soldiers.
The shrine remains a diplomatic flashpoint, with visits by Japanese officials drawing condemnation from China, South Korea, and other nations impacted by Japan's wartime aggression. This legal challenge coincides with ongoing efforts across Asia to address unresolved historical grievances as the 80th anniversary of WWII's end approaches in 2025.
