2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission Marks 1 Year Since Investigation Start: "System Needed for Responsible Recommendation Implementation"

Difficulties in Excavating Remains... "Unclear Excavation Authority"
Truth Verification Applications Due by December 9

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The 2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Past (Truth and Reconciliation Commission), which marked the first anniversary of its investigation commencement, announced its achievements so far. However, it stated that the implementation of government agencies' recommendations and the excavation of remains were insufficient, and emphasized the need for related discussions and institutionalization.

At around 10:30 a.m. on the 22nd, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission held a "1st Anniversary Press Conference" at the Namsan Square Building in Jung-gu, Seoul. Chairman Jeong Geun-sik, Standing Commissioner Kim Kwang-dong, and Standing Commissioner Lee Jae-seung participated in the conference.

The 2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission decided to begin its first investigation on May 27 of last year. As of the 21st, it received 14,945 applications for truth verification and investigated 8,814 cases. According to the Commission, the number of applications is about three times higher compared to the start of the investigation. The application deadline for truth verification is December 9.

The excavation of remains is also underway. The Commission estimated approximately 380 suspected burial sites nationwide. Additionally, it stated that about 35 areas are excavatable. The Commission plans to begin full-scale excavation of remains from the second half of this year and return them to the bereaved families.

Chairman Jeong said, "The 2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission worked under the difficult circumstances of COVID-19, so progress was slower than expected," adding, "As COVID-19 is coming to an end, substantial achievements in truth verification will emerge."

However, he also pointed out the need to improve limitations. Chairman Jeong said, "It will take more time to have sufficient discussions on whether the recommendations of the 2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission have been implemented," and added, "In actual ministries, there are difficulties in specifically determining who should implement the Commission's recommendations." Furthermore, he stated, "If the Commission explicitly specifies the relevant ministries or agencies in its recommendations, it would be more effective," and added, "There is a need to discuss and institutionalize related matters for responsible implementation of government agencies' recommendations."

He also mentioned difficulties in the excavation of remains. Chairman Jeong explained, "Some excavations are conducted directly by the Commission, while others are independently carried out by local governments," and said, "The subject responsible for excavation is unclear, which is an issue that needs improvement." He also noted, "There is insufficient budget," and said, "There is no suitable place to return the remains after excavation, so for the next 2 to 3 years, they will have to be handled at a temporary storage facility located in Sejong City."

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was launched on December 10, 2020, following the enforcement of the Past History Clearing Act. The Commission consists of a total of nine members, including three standing commissioners and six non-standing commissioners, and operates independently as a national institution not affiliated with the presidency, conducting truth verification work autonomously.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.