The Hankyoreh Article: “The 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission to Launch on February 26th…Applications for Truth-Finding Accepted from Day One”.

Please see related:

TRC 3 Announces The Opening Of Submissions: From February 26th, 2026—February 28th, 2028.

*Please note that submission guidelines for Overseas Adoptees living OUTSIDE OF KOREA who wish to file their cases INDEPENDENTLY of any representative groups, and rather through a Korean Consulate in their Western country of adoption or residence, have NOT yet been released. The submission guidelines for Overseas Adoptees who DO NOT LIVE IN KOREA will likely be slightly different than the guidelines currently released on February 9th, 2026 for those who RESIDE IN KOREA.

Please check our BLOG for updates!

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The Hankyoreh Article: “The 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission to Launch on February 26th… Applications for Truth-Finding Accepted from Day One”.

Thanks to a Paperslip Contributor for the link.

Paperslip’s ChatGPT English Translation:

”Society · General
The 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission to Launch on February 26… Applications for Truth-Finding Accepted from Day One
Cases dating back to 2001 eligible for application
Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to be appointed soon

By Ko Gyeong-tae
Revised: 2026-02-09 14:59
Published: 2026-02-09 14:54

This article is read aloud (1:51)

Poster announcing applications for truth-finding by the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Provided by the Commission.

Ahead of its launch in about two weeks, the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Settlement of Past Affairs (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) announced that, in accordance with the revised Framework Act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Past Affairs Act), it will begin accepting applications for truth-finding (verification of victimization) from victims and their families.

According to an announcement posted on the Commission’s website on the 9th, applications for truth-finding will be accepted for two years, from February 26, when the 3rd Commission is launched, until February 25, 2028. The notice states that applications can be submitted by mail or in person to local governments (provincial/metropolitan governments or city/county/district offices) or to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission office in Jung-gu, Seoul. Applicants must submit one application form, a copy of the applicant’s ID, and documents verifying the applicant’s eligibility. Application forms can be downloaded from the Commission’s website (www.jinsil.go.kr) or from local government websites.

The scope of truth-finding covers anti-Japanese independence movements carried out during or immediately prior to the Japanese colonial period, as well as human rights violations committed by state authority after liberation up to November 25, 2001, the day before the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. It also includes human rights violations in private social welfare institutions, adoption agencies, and group confinement facilities. Unlike the 2nd Commission, which set the target period as up to the end of the “authoritarian rule era” (February 24, 1993, just before the launch of the civilian government), the 3rd Commission extends the period by nearly nine years and adds private social welfare institutions, adoption agencies, and group confinement facilities as legally recognized subjects of truth-finding.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is currently preparing for the launch of the 3rd Commission by operating an establishment preparation team consisting of six officials, including a Grade 4 senior civil servant. Five advisors, including Secretary-General Song Sang-gyo, other Commission executives, and civic group activists, are also participating in the preparatory work. President Lee Jae-myung is expected to soon nominate and appoint the Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Ko Gyeong-tae, Reporter
k21@hani.co.kr”

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Below: Graphic from article.
For a ChatGPT English translation of the poster below, please see:
TRC 3 Announces The Opening Of Submissions: From February 26th, 2026—February 28th, 2028