South Korea plans to ask UNESCO to include materials about the so-called "comfort women" in its Memory of the World Register to raise awareness of the issue.

Gender Equality and Family Minister Cho Yoon-sun disclosed the plan in this year's project outline submitted on Tuesday to President Park Geun-hye.

The outline says the government will create a day to commemorate the women and organize events for South Koreans to learn more about the issue.

Many of the women were forced into prostitution to serve Japanese soldiers during World War Two.

The government is to conduct research and collect documents in the United States, China and elsewhere before applying.
Earlier this year, the ministry organized an exhibition featuring drawings and manga comics about comfort women at an international manga fair in France.

The ministry says the exhibition generated huge responses.

South Korea is apparently trying to win international support for the issue and to step up pressure on Japan.

Feb. 11, 2014 - Updated 15:55 UTC