Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea - History From Korean Wikipedia.

Posted to Paperslip on March 30th, 2025.
Thank you to Chang Seon Kim for the link.
Translation via ChatGPT.

A Paperslip Contributor writes:

“The first Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) operated from 2005 to 2010, followed by the second TRC from 2020 to 2025. When might the third TRC occur? Based on previous patterns, it could be established in 2035, although many hope for a more permanent solution.

By 2035, how old will you be, and what about your parents? At that time, 50% of Overseas Korean Adoptees will be over 50 years old, and their parents will likely be around 65 years old or older.”

Below: Screencapture of our ChatGPT translation of the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission of the Republic of Korea” page on Korean Wikipedia.

Below: ChatGPT translation of the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission of the Republic of Korea” page on Korean Wikipedia.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission links here. For other meanings, see the Truth and Reconciliation Commission article.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Abbreviation: TRCK
Established: December 1, 2005
Reestablished: December 10, 2020
Legal Foundation: "Basic Law for the Arrangement of Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation"
Location: 173 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Staff: 227
Chairperson: Park Sun-young
Affiliated Organization: #Organization
Website: https://jinsil.go.kr

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea (TRCK) was established on December 1, 2005, following the passage of the Basic Law for the Arrangement of Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation by the National Assembly of South Korea on May 3, 2005. Its purpose is to investigate hidden truths regarding anti-Japanese independence movements, incidents of human rights violations, and politically motivated murders following the liberation from Japanese colonial rule, thereby contributing to national unity through reconciliation with the past.

Although the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a temporary organization, it operates independently like the National Human Rights Commission and is not affiliated with the legislative, judicial, or executive branches. It concluded its activities after four years and two months of investigations on June 30, 2010. In its first year, it received 10,860 cases and began its first investigation on April 25, 2006, ultimately completing a total of 11,172 investigations over four years and two months. Its primary function involved reviewing related documents, hearing testimonies from applicants and witnesses, and visiting sites where incidents occurred. The findings were discussed and decided upon by subcommittees and the full committee. The commission also recommended the government issue formal apologies and take appropriate measures for the restoration of victims' honor when state-caused harm was confirmed. The commission drafted a comprehensive report of its activities to present to the President and National Assembly by December 2010, after which it was disbanded.

However, for over a decade after its dissolution, families of victims from collective detention facilities like the Busan Brothers Home and various civil society groups continuously demanded the truth about past events. As a result, the National Assembly amended the past affairs law, leading to the reestablishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on December 10, 2020. The second-term commission announced its findings on state-sponsored human rights violations through press conferences, receiving significant coverage from domestic and international media. It also recommended follow-up measures for restoring the honor of victims and reparations. Future tasks include establishing a foundation for past affairs and creating legislation for compensation for victims.

History

  • May 31, 2005: Enactment of the Basic Law for the Arrangement of Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation.

  • December 1, 2005: Launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

  • June 30, 2010: Completion of activities.

  • December 31, 2010: Dissolution.

  • December 10, 2020: Launch of the second-term Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Organization Chairpersons

(Paperslip Note: For the names of the Chairpersons, please refer to the screencapture above).

The first-term commission consisted of one chairperson of ministerial rank, three permanent commissioners of vice-ministerial rank, and eleven non-permanent commissioners. The term for all commissioners, including the chairperson, is two years and can be renewed. If a vacancy occurs, a replacement must be elected or appointed within 30 days.

Commission meetings are generally open to the public, but may be closed for serious matters recognized by the committee or subcommittee. Decisions are made by a majority of the attending commissioners.

The commission also maintains an administrative office that includes various departments responsible for handling its tasks. The second-term commission is set to operate from May 27, 2021, until May 26, 2024, with an option for a one-year extension.

As of September 22, 2022, the commission's staff consisted of 220 individuals, including various classifications of civil servants.

Related Laws

  • Basic Law for the Arrangement of Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation

Investigation Targets The commission's investigation targets include anti-Japanese independence movements during the colonial period, incidents of collective civilian sacrifice during and after the Korean War, human rights violations during authoritarian rule, and other historically significant events deemed necessary for truth clarification.

The commission has the authority to initiate investigations on its own or based on victim applications, allowing for considerable flexibility in its operations.

See Also

  • Media Consolidation Incident

  • Reporting Alliance Incident

  • Yeosu-Sunchon Incident

  • Suspicion of Forged Suicide Note Case

  • Brothers Home Incident

  • Seosan Pioneer Corps Incident

  • Human Rights Violations at Seongam Academy

  • Samcheong Education Incident

  • Forced Military Conscription of University Students

External Links

  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission Official Website

  • Basic Law for the Arrangement of Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation

  • Enforcement Decree of the Basic Law for the Arrangement of Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation

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A Paperslip Contributor writes -

”Since Korea's founding, there has been a complex relationship with the past. The United States sought to stabilize South Korea quickly after the war, often hiring individuals who had collaborated with the Japanese occupiers—similar to cooperating with Nazis during their rule in Korea. These collaborators faced little punishment, leading to a problematic start. Those who regained power were often unsupportive of the Korean resistance that fought against Japan. Over generations, the descendants of these collaborators maintained their socially and financially privileged positions in Korea. Today, the third and fourth generations of these individuals hold seats in the National Assembly, both in the People Power Party and the Democratic Party. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is currently investigating their ancestors' actions. However, the criteria for legal accountability are quite limited, which hampers meaningful progress.”

See:
”Special Committee for the Investigation of Anti-National Activities.”

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