Jeollanam-do to Accept Applications for Truth-Finding on Past Affairs from 26th...Launch of 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Applications accepted for two years until February 2028
Full-scale efforts to uncover state violence cases around the Korean War

Exterior view of Jeollanam-do Provincial Office

Jeollanam-do announced that, with the launch of the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the 26th, it will begin accepting applications for investigations into past affairs.

Applications are a procedure to uncover the truth about incidents of state violence and human rights violations, such as mass civilian massacres that occurred around the time of the Korean War, and to restore the honor of victims. They can be submitted for a two-year period until February 25, 2028.

Victims, survivors, and their bereaved families or relatives, as well as people who directly experienced or witnessed the incidents, or heard accounts of them, may apply. Applications can be submitted in person at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Jeollanam-do Provincial Government, or city and county offices, or by mail.

The scope of truth-finding by the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission includes: anti-Japanese independence movements during or immediately before the Japanese colonial period; the history of overseas Koreans after the Japanese colonial period; mass civilian massacres around the time of the Korean War; cases of human rights violations such as death, injury, disappearance, torture, and detention that occurred up to the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea; terrorism, violence, and suspicious deaths committed by hostile forces during periods of authoritarian rule; and human rights violations that occurred in social welfare facilities, adoption agencies, and collective accommodation facilities.

Cases received will be forwarded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which will decide whether to initiate an investigation within 90 days from the date of receipt. The investigation period is three years from the start date of the investigation and may be extended, if necessary, up to two times, for up to one year each time.

Given that Jeollanam-do is a region where past abuses, including civilian casualties around the time of the Korean War, were heavily concentrated, the province plans to use the launch of the 3rd Commission as an opportunity to further intensify efforts to uncover additional cases of damage and to expand participation in applications.

Detailed information, including how to apply and the required documents, can be found on the websites of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or Jeollanam-do.