hankyoreh

Gyeonggi Province in 1995 hold a memorial service at Seoul National University Hospital’s bone depository

Ahn Byung-wook, the Commissioner of South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, held an unusual press conference on Sept. 7. He solemnly began with, “Since my term is nearing its end, I want to make my opinion on the TRC’s work clear.” His two-year term will finish in November.

He said, “The TRC will continue to work five months beyond the completion of my term as commissioner, and during that time, the TRC has important work to carry out, including publishing the final report under a new commissioner.” Ahn added, “Although I do not know who will be the new commissioner, my hope is that the TRC’s record of accomplishments will not be shaken.”

Several progressive members on the TRC besides Commissioner Ahn, including Kim Dong-chun, professor of SungKongHoe University, will finish their term in November or December. Progressive figures in the TRC have played a great role in determining what the TRC’s decisions have been. Accordingly, many observers are concerned that the TRC may become dominated by conservatives after Ahn and other progressive figures leave the commission.

Some are saying the worst scenario is that the TRC’s term will be extended, and conservatives will take over control and reverse decisions made by a progressive TRC. A successor is expected to serve for five months until April 2010, however, some are saying there is a possibility that the Lee administration may extend the commission’s term by two years in order to reverse many of the decision that have been made.

Current commissioners are making it clear that they are opposed to extending the TRC’s term. They are arguing that while they have only reviewed and closed 6401 cases or 58.1 percent of the 11,017 citizen petitions that have been filed, they have concluded the most important cases on their docket. A TRC official says, “Many TRC officials are concerned about an extension of the TRC.”

In July, the TRC had asked the Cheong Wa Dae (the presidential office in South Korea or Blue House) to pass a law compensating victims who were killed during the Korea War instead of a law extending the TRC. There has been no response.

Commissioner Ahn says, “Victims’ issues are not something to cover up, and although the TRC was established under late President Roh Moo-hyun, the current administration could benefit from recognition for changing its mind a little.”

He says he intends to ask for a meeting with President Lee Myung-bak to discuss this problem.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]