New Truth and Reconciliation Commission Chairman Song Sanggyo: "Restoring Victims' Dignity Is Our Purpose"

Moving Beyond Ideological and Partisan Divisions... Victim-Centered Operation
Establishment of Dedicated "Third Investigation Bureau" for Overseas Adoptions and Facility Investigations
Active Expansion of "Ex Officio Investigations" Beyond the Limitations of Application-Based Approaches

Song Sanggyo, the new chairman of the third Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has officially commenced the third term of the commission's work with his inauguration.

Sanggyo Song, Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, delivers an inaugural speech at the inauguration ceremony held on the 4th at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

At the inauguration ceremony held on the afternoon of March 4 at the main conference room of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Jung-gu, Seoul, Chairman Song stated, "The reason for the commission's existence lies in restoring the dignity and honor of the victims," and added, "I will operate a 'victim-centered' commission that listens to the voices of victims at every stage."

He identified the establishment of the Third Investigation Bureau as a key task for the third commission. Chairman Song emphasized, "In order to systematically investigate issues such as overseas adoption and human rights violations at group care facilities, I will establish a fully operational Third Investigation Bureau as soon as possible." He also expressed his intention to expand ex officio investigations, so that the commission itself proactively uncovers cases rather than waiting for applications to be filed.

As an operational principle, he stressed 'political neutrality.' Chairman Song explained, "The process of addressing past wrongdoings should not be approached ideologically or through partisan divisions," and added, "Our task is to correct unjust suffering, regardless of who the perpetrator is."

After the inauguration ceremony, Chairman Song held a separate meeting with representatives of organizations for victims and bereaved families. There, he offered an apology for incidents such as the forced escort of bereaved family members that occurred during the second commission, saying, "I am not free from responsibility," and pledged to devote his utmost efforts to uncovering the full truth, overcoming the limitations of the second term.

Born in 1972, Chairman Song graduated from Seoul National University's School of Law and has previously served as Secretary-General of Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun) and Secretary-General of the second Truth and Reconciliation Commission. His term will last for two years, until March 3, 2028.

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