The New York Times recently unveiled a list of 104 significant women in history to commemorate Women's History Month, among which two notable Korean figures, Yu Gwan-sun and Kil Won-ok, were featured. Yu Gwan-sun, a prominent Korean independence activist, is celebrated for her courageous resistance against Japanese colonial rule. The Times highlighted her as a symbol of the longing for freedom expressed by her nation during the peaceful protests of Spring 1919 and linked to a previous in-depth article detailing her legacy.

The other featured figure is Kil Won-ok, a surviving 'comfort woman' from WWII, known for her activism in bringing to light the sufferings of women coerced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military. The New York Times reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to expose her traumatic experiences, advocating for acknowledgment and apology from the Japanese government. They referenced her obituary published last year, noting her critical role in educating the international community about wartime atrocities.

This recognition by a major publication not only honors these women for their historical significance but also invites a reconsideration of women's roles throughout history. The New York Times emphasized the importance of examining what has been highlighted or overlooked in women's narratives, underscoring the necessity to reflect on these individuals' contributions to society and history as a whole.