Head of the newly-launched preparation committee for a foundation to be tasked with helping former comfort women said Tuesday that her focus will be placed on healing their scars and helping them recover their dignity.

Kim Tae-hyun, an honorary professor at Sungshin Women's University, added that she and other members of the committee will be all ears to what they really want, believing that genuine communication starts with listening to what people want to say.

"I feel a heavy burden from taking on this important duty at such a sensitive time," Kim told reporters. "But I could not reject the offer, as the time is running out, considering that the average age of the victims stands at 89.4 and many of them are suffering diseases."

On Tuesday, the 11-member committee was officially launched to prepare the foundation designed to support South Korean women sexually enslaved by Japan during World War II. Nine of them, including Kim, are from the private sector, while government officials -- one from the foreign ministry and the other from the gender equality ministry -- are also included. (Yonhap)