Ten years after Grandmother Lee OkSeon came to Dallas to share her story, a memorial bench at SMU will ensure she and the many other Comfort Women are always remembered.
Ten years ago, I sat with Grandmother Lee OkSeon in Dallas and heard her stories — about her own experiences and those of others who, at a young age, were forced to become Comfort Women during WWII. She had traveled across the world at a great age to share one of history’s most painful stories — and to ask one simple thing: please remember us.
She spoke in Korean. It didn’t matter. Every word landed.
On April 22, the Dallas Korean Cultural Foundation will dedicate a commemorative WWII Comfort Women memorial bench at SMU in honor of Grandmother Lee OkSeon — a lasting reminder that her story, along with those of thousands of women like her, will not be forgotten.
She asked us not to forget. We didn’t. Neither should history.
A $200 donation will have your name engraved on the Comfort Women Dallas memorial. The Dallas Korean Cultural Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — your gift is tax-deductible. Every contribution at any level helps keep her memory alive.
Scan the QR code below to donate and be part of history.
Want to Learn More?
The history of WWII Comfort Women is one of the most important — and least told — stories of the 20th century. To learn more, visit the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance at womenandwar.net. The 2016 film Spirits’ Homecoming tells this story with extraordinary compassion — currently streaming on Netflix.
JOIN US — All are welcome.
What: Commemorative Memorial Dedication Honoring Grandmother Lee OkSeon
Where: SMU, Dallas, TX | In front of Hughes-Trigg Student Center
When: Tuesday, April 22, 2026
Ceremony: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Reception: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
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