Guide to the Korean TRC 3 form.
Korean Adoptees applying for TRC 3 must fill out the ENGLISH TRC 3 application form which can be found here:
(Revised) Step By Step Guide for Completing The TRC 3 Application.
However, Korean Adoptees who complete the ENGLISH form will ALSO need to HAND SIGN the KOREAN form, since only the KOREAN form has legal weight!
*We will find out WHICH portions of the KOREAN form that Korean Adoptees need to sign, and later UPDATE this page.
For TRC 3, you should ideally submit BOTH your completed ENGLISH TRC 3 application form, AND the signed KOREAN form (which does not need to be completed, only signed, according to this guidance).
Please WAIT for guidance, and please NOTE that you definitely DO NOT want to sign the LAST page of the Korean document in the PDF above, because it is a withdrawal form — which withdraws your case!
Please note that the following is a Google Gemini translation of the Korean TRC 3 document below:
(국문 안내문) 진실규명신청 안내, 신청서 서식 등 (PDF)
(Official Notice) Guidance on Application for Fact-Finding Investigation, Application Form Template, etc. (PDF)
The Google Gemini translations / graphics below should definitely NOT be used as official forms! Korean Adoptees do NOT have to fill out the Korean forms, but you WILL need to SIGN THEM in the appropriate places.
To understand the context of why we created this page, and for the original source of the PDF document linked above, please see:
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta releases English TRC 3 application forms in both WORD and PDF format.
The translations below are simply for us to figure out which pages need to be SIGNED by Korean Adoptees. Korean Adoptees are NOT expected to fill out this form in Korean for their TRC 3 application.
+
Page 1 text:
Notice for Truth-Finding Application Under the Framework Act on Settling Past History for Truth and Reconciliation
In order to clarify cases of anti-Japanese independence movements, the history of overseas Koreans who enhanced national prestige after the Japanese colonial period, mass civilian sacrifice incidents that occurred illegally after liberation, grave human rights violations, and cases of suspected fabrication caused by the unjust exercise of public power, and to contribute to national unity through reconciliation with the past, the Framework Act on Settling Past History for Truth and Reconciliation (hereinafter referred to as "the Act") has been enacted. As the Act takes effect on February 26, 2026, applications for truth-finding are accepted as follows in accordance with the provisions of Article 22 of the Act.
February 26, 2026
Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
===========================================================
1. Application Period
February 26, 2026 – February 25, 2028 (Excluding public holidays)
2. Scope of Truth-Finding (Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the Act)
Anti-Japanese independence movements conducted during or immediately prior to the Japanese colonial period.
The history of overseas Koreans who protected the sovereignty of our country and enhanced national prestige from the end of the Japanese colonial period until the enforcement date of this Act (Act No. 7542).
Cases of illegal mass civilian sacrifice (death, murder, injury, disappearance, torture, or detention) occurring during the period surrounding the Korean War, starting from August 15, 1945.
Cases of death, injury, disappearance, torture, or detention resulting from illegal or significantly unjust exercise of public power, as well as actions disrupting the constitutional order, from August 15, 1945, until the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission; this includes other grave human rights violations and cases of suspected fabrication.
Incidents of terrorism, human rights violations, violence, massacres, or suspicious deaths carried out by forces that denied the legitimacy of or were hostile toward the Republic of Korea, from August 15, 1945, through the era of authoritarian rule.
※ Note: Incidents for which truth-finding is already being conducted under specific individual laws are excluded.
- 1 -
+
Page 2 text:
Here is the full translation of the second page of the announcement:
Human rights violations that occurred between August 15, 1945, and the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission at social welfare institutions, adoption agencies, or collective confinement facilities directly operated by the state or local governments, or at private institutions operated under the support, management, and supervision of the state or local governments.
❖ Cases excluded from the scope of the Commission's truth-finding investigation, even if they fall under the scope defined in Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the Act above:
Cases that have received a final and conclusive judgment from a court are excluded.
However, cases recognized by a resolution of the Commission as requiring truth-finding because they meet the grounds for retrial under the Civil Procedure Act or the Criminal Procedure Act are exceptions.
3. Eligibility to Apply
Victims, sufferers, or their bereaved family members.
Persons in a relative relationship with a victim, sufferer, or their bereaved family members.
Relatives: Blood relatives within the 8th degree, relatives by marriage within the 4th degree, and spouses.
Persons who experienced or witnessed the incident subject to truth-finding.
Persons who heard a direct account from someone who experienced or witnessed the incident subject to truth-finding.
4. Where to Submit Applications
Local governments of the applicant's place of residence (City/Province or City/Gun/Gu), overseas diplomatic missions, or the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission").
5. Application Method
Complete the prescribed Truth-Finding Application Form and visit a submission office or submit by mail.
The application form can be obtained at the submission offices or downloaded from the websites of local governments or overseas diplomatic missions.
※ Upon submission, the receiving agency will issue a certificate of receipt.
(For mail submissions, the receipt certificate will be sent back by mail).
6. Required Documents for Submission
(Applicant) Copy of Identification Card (Required).
- 2 -
+
Page 3 text:
(Documents Proving Applicant Eligibility)
If the applicant is the victim: Basic Certificate (Gibon Jeungmyeongsu).
If the applicant is a bereaved family member: Family Relation Certificate, etc.
If the applicant is an organization: Copy of the representative's ID, representative appointment report, membership list, power of attorney, etc.
If the applicant resides overseas: Copy of ID or passport.
(Supporting Evidence, if applicable) Any evidence necessary for truth-finding.
Examples: Public records, family genealogies (Jokbo), neighbor's testimonials, written statements, adoption-related materials, etc.
7. Miscellaneous
Please submit supporting evidence along with your application form.
The Commission will decide whether to initiate an investigation within 90 days from the date the application is received (this may be extended by 30 days if a preliminary investigation is required).
Applicants will be notified of the decision within 7 days of the determination date.
Contact Information
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Civil Service Office
Address: (04554) 5th Floor, Namsan Square Building, 173 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Phone: (02) 3393-9700 / 9701.
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta (For Overseas Submissions)
Jurisdiction: Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Address: 229 Peachtree ST NE Suite 2100, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Phone: +1 (404) 522-1611~3.
+
Page 4 text:
*Note: This was easiest to screenshot due to the graphic:
+
Page 5 text:
*Note: This was easiest to screenshot due to the graphic:
+
Page 6 text:
*Note: This was easiest to screenshot due to the graphic.
This should NOT be used as an official form! It’s just an AI generated graphic based on the translation. It is PURELY for REFERENCE purposes only, in order to get the gist of the KOREAN TRC 3 application form.
+
Page 7 text:
*Note: This was easiest to screenshot due to the graphic.
This should NOT be used as an official form! It’s just an AI generated graphic based on the translation. It is PURELY for REFERENCE purposes only, in order to get the gist of the KOREAN TRC 3 application form.
+
Page 8 text:
(Page 3 of 4)
※ This section is to be completed only when the applicant is making an oral application for truth-finding.
DateYear / Month / DayRecorderPosition: [ ] Name: [ ] (Signature or Seal)
I confirm that the application for truth-finding has been recorded exactly as stated.
Applicant Name: [ ] (Signature or Seal)
Precautions for Completion
When an organization applies, it must apply in the name of its representative.
Include the name of the organization in the applicant's name column.
In the "Relationship to the Case" column, mark ($\checkmark$) the item that applies to the applicant's relationship with the case under investigation and submit relevant supporting documents.
Required Documents for Submission:
Copy of the applicant's identification card (ID).
Materials proving the applicant's eligibility according to Article 22 of the Act (e.g., Basic Certificate, Family Relationship Certificate, Power of Attorney for a representative, etc.).
Consent form for the use of personal information.
In the "Persons Involved in the Case" column, enter the personal information of those involved in the applied case (victims, perpetrators).
(※ Use a separate sheet if necessary).
The columns for "Related Agencies," "Experienced Persons or Witnesses," "Evidence," and "Whether a Petition/Investigation has been filed" should be completed if they apply to the case, and relevant evidentiary materials should be submitted together.
Provide a detailed and specific description of the purpose of the application, the details of the incident (including date and location), and the reasons why truth-finding is necessary. If you possess photos or records that can prove the incident, submit them as well.
- 8 -
+
Page 9 text:
(Page 4 of 4)
Consent to Personal Information Use
1. Purpose of Collection and Use
For the performance of measures and tasks for the truth-finding work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as defined in Article 22 of the Framework Act on Settling Past History for Truth and Reconciliation.
2. Items Collected
ClassificationItemsApplicant InformationName, Date of BirthFamily InformationFamily relationship, Name, Date of Birth, Occupation, Whether living together
3. Retention and Use Period
Information is stored during the truth-finding investigation period determined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and destroyed after the document retention period specified in the Personal Information Processing Policy has elapsed following the end of the investigation.
4. Right to Refuse Consent
A. You have the right to refuse consent to the collection and use of personal information as described above; however, if you refuse, your application for truth-finding investigation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission may be rejected.
B. I clearly understand the contents of this "Consent to Personal Information Use" and agree to the collection and use of the personal information above for tasks such as measures for applying for truth-finding investigation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
(Agree $\square$ / Do not agree $\square$)
5. Consent to Provision of Personal Information to Third Parties
A. Recipients: Government agencies, local governments, or other cooperating agencies or corporations to which information is provided.
B. Recipient's Purpose of Use: Utilization of information for truth-finding investigations of past history, etc.
C. Items Provided: Same as Section 2 above.
D. Retention/Use Period and Right to Refuse: Same as Sections 3 and 4 above.
I, the undersigned, agree to the collection and use of personal information by third parties other than the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
(Agree \square / Do not agree\square)
Date: 20____ Year ____ Month ____ Day
Applicant: ____________________ (Signature or Seal)
To the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- 9 -
+
Page 10 text:
[Additional Form] Personal Information Use Consent Form
(Note: This form specifically references Articles 48 and 54 regarding reconciliation measures).
1. Purpose of Collection and Use
To carry out administrative measures and tasks for reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as stipulated in Articles 48 and 54 of the Framework Act.
(Sections 2 and 3 are identical to Page 9)
4. Right to Refuse Consent
B. I agree to the collection and use of personal information for tasks such as measures for reconciliation.
(Agree\square / Disagree\square)
5. Consent to Provision of Personal Information to Third Parties
B. Purpose: Use of information for measures for reconciliation related to truth-finding investigations.
I agree to the collection and use of personal information by third parties.
(Agree\square / Disagree\square)
Date: 20____ Year ____ Month ____ Day
Applicant: ____________________ (Signature or Seal)
To the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
<center> - 10 - </center>
+
Page 11 text:
*Note: This was easiest to screenshot due to the graphic.
+
Page 12 text:
*Note: This was easiest to screenshot due to the graphic.
+
Page 13 text:
*Note: This was easiest to screenshot due to the graphic.
+
Page 14 text:
*Note: This was easiest to screenshot due to the graphic.
