Truth and Reconciliation Commission Chair: "Individual Beliefs May Differ in Liberal Democracy"

Following the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law' incident, Park Seon-young, the chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Past Affairs (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) appointed by President Yoon Seok-yeol, stated on the 2nd, "This year is both the year when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission legally ends and a variable year in which changes may occur in the future of the commission," adding, "We must unite tightly and do our best."

Seonyeong, Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Past Affairs. Yonhap News

In his New Year's address that day, Chairman Park said, "The political circles, whether ruling or opposition, who need to amend the Truth and Reconciliation Commission law or enact a new law, have their minds completely elsewhere," and added, "I believe that if you and I join forces and raise one voice, a path will surely open."

Chairman Park also stated, "In a liberal democratic society, each person's beliefs and thoughts may differ," and emphasized, "We must keep in mind the fact that reconciliation must first be fostered within the commission aiming to promote reconciliation with the past in order to increase the credibility of our decisions."

Chairman Park emphasized, "I will devote all my capabilities to extending the investigation period, establishing a foundation, and revising or enacting laws related to compensation and restitution," and added, "I will put all my efforts into ensuring that the terms of the standing commissioner and six non-standing commissioners, whose terms expire in April to May, can be extended."

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