Survivors of atomic bombings during World War II in Korea continue to grapple with the aftermath of nuclear fallout
In the aftermath of the Hiroshima attack in 1945, Kim Hwa-ja, a four-year-old Korean child, found herself in the midst of smoke-filled streets and a city engulfed in flames. This is just one account among the many Koreans who were in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the atomic bombings, often as forced laborers under Japanese colonial rule.
Tens of thousands of Korean survivors moved back to South Korea after the attacks, but many have struggled with health issues and stigma. Bae Kyung-mi, a survivor, has recounted ongoing health problems related to radiation exposure and the trauma she endured as a child. Despite their suffering, Korean survivors have historically faced difficulties in receiving official recognition and adequate medical or financial assistance compared to their Japanese counterparts.
As of 2025, this struggle remains poignant. There are believed to be about 1,600 South Korean survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki attacks still alive, with 82 of them residing at the Hapcheon Atomic Bomb Victim Center in South Korea. The center is set to hold a commemoration tomorrow.
The Hapcheon center, however, provides no assistance to the offspring or extended families of the survivors. In 2016, Seoul enacted a special law to help the survivors, but it falls short in addressing the needs of their descendants. This has led to calls for a provision to support these descendants, with Jeong Soo-won stating that such a provision "must be included."
Kim Gin-ho, another survivor, questions whether current leaders, including US President Donald Trump, understand the tragedy of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Trump's comparison of his strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been met with criticism by survivors and their advocates.
Despite these challenges, efforts by survivors and advocates to raise awareness, seek justice, and press for nuclear disarmament continue. Joint statements by church leaders from the US, Japan, and South Korea emphasize honoring these survivors and pursuing nuclear disarmament, reflecting their continuing quest for justice and peace.
South Korean leaders, including President Lee Jae Myung, have publicly expressed condolences and recognition of Korean victims' suffering on the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. This growing acknowledgment from South Korean leadership and international solidarity initiatives indicate a step towards addressing the needs of the survivors. However, challenges remain to fully address the survivors' needs and ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
- The scientific study of the long-term effects of radiation exposure on human health, particularly in the context of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, is a crucial aspect of workplace-wellness research.
- Chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory conditions, have been linked to radiation exposure among survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki attacks, highlighting the importance of health-and-wellness education and prevention strategies.
- Fitness-and-exercise, mental-health support, and nutrition advice are essential components of holistic health care for survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki attacks, providing them with tools to manage their medical conditions and promote personal growth.
- Skin-care and skin-conditions awareness are essential considerations for Korean survivors, many of whom have reported radiation-induced skin issues.
- Education-and-self-development programs could play a vital role in helping the offspring and extended families of the survivors access resources and information about the history and impacts of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, encouraging further reflection on the importance of peace and nuclear disarmament.
- Political leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have a responsibility to understand and respect the history and tragedy of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, as their words and actions have significant implications for career-development opportunities and annual commemoration events.
- General-news media outlets play a crucial role in reporting on the ongoing challenges faced by Korean survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki attacks, raising awareness about their struggles and promoting calls for justice and nuclear disarmament.
- Crime-and-justice systems have an important role in investigating and prosecuting war-and-conflicts-related atrocities, including the use of nuclear weapons against civilians, to ensure accountability and future deterrence efforts.
- Accidents, such as the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, serve as grim reminders of the consequences of political tensions, underscoring the need for diplomatic engagement and peaceful conflict resolution.
- In the face of ongoing struggles for recognition, medical assistance, and justice, the resilience and determination of Korean survivors represent a powerful testament to the importance of personal growth, self-development, and the pursuit of a more peaceful world.
