Reversing an earlier order to remove a statue symbolizing Korean "comfort women" who suffered under Japan’s military brothel system before and during World War II, authorities in central Berlin said Tuesday they will allow the installation to remain for the time being.
The Mitte district in the German capital said it hopes to explore a plan for Japan and South Korea to reach a compromise on the display. The installation of comfort women statues outside South Korea, in addition to those placed near Japanese diplomatic facilities in Seoul and Busan, has been a source of tension between the two countries.
Last Thursday, the Mitte district announced it had rescinded approval for the statue erected last month and called for its removal by Wednesday, following objections from Tokyo.