On March 5th, Park Sun-young, chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, held a press conference commemorating the 100th meeting of the commission. During the event, she stated there were no conflicts with staff and emphasized her commitment to completing her two-year term. The commission is facing the conclusion of its investigative activities by May this year unless the law is amended to extend its duration. Currently, over 4,700 cases remain unresolved, and Park is visiting the National Assembly and political parties to seek an extension of the commission’s term.
Park mentioned her perseverance, stating that she continued her duties unfazed despite harsh criticism broadcasted by Chosun Central TV. She reiterated her commitment to her role as long as she adheres to legal conduct.
When asked about internal conflicts, Park responded that she does not perceive any significant issues, noting that disagreement is natural among a large team. However, Lee Sang-hoon, a standing commissioner, highlighted that some members have yet to accept her leadership style but avoid critiques to prevent friction, given the urgency of case resolutions.
During the conference, the commission reported its case handling record, stating that 78% of the applications and ex officio investigations initiated since March 25, 2021, have been resolved. Additionally, Park announced the selection of 10 major cases for future investigation, including various incidents from the Korean War and human rights violations related to religious figures, civilians, and prisoners, among others.