TRC 3 Announces The Opening Of Submissions: From February 26th, 2026—February 25th, 2028.
Thank you to a Paperslip Contributor for the link.
*Please note that our blog post URL contains slightly incorrect dates. The ACTUAL dates for TRC 3 submission are:
February 26th, 2026—February 25th, 2028.
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Please check below for UPDATES about TRC 3:
PAPERSLIP BLOG: INFO HUB FOR TRC 3 AND GENERAL BIRTH FAMILY SEARCH UPDATES
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For reference — please note that announcements about TRC 3 submissions are so far ONLY on the KOREAN version of the TRC 3 website:
TRC 3’s KOREAN Website:
https://www.jinsil.go.kr/
TRC 3’s ENGLISH Website:
https://www.jinsil.go.kr/en/
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TRC Commission’s Physical Address In Korea:
Address of Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea on TRC 3’s Korean website:
서울특별시 중구 퇴계로 173, 남산스퀘어빌딩 5층
ChatGPT English Translation of Korean Address:
5th Floor, Namsan Square Building, 173 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Map Links:
진실화해를위한과거사정리위원회
(Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea)
Google Maps
KakaoMap
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Please note that we have provided ChatGPT ENGLISH translations of information from the TRC 3 KOREAN website below. We take NO responsibility for information which may have been mistranslated in error.
We HIGHLY encourage you to learn how to use ChatGPT for Korean text translation. ChatGPT is a game changer for Korean translation in general! Korean text translation is no longer a barrier for Korean Adoptees! ChatGPT is far superior to Google Translate or Papago for Korean text translation. You can currently use ChatGPT for free on your desktop or phone.
Please see:
ChatGPT for Korean Text Translation
Google Lens + ChatGPT Translation Tutorial
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Please also refer to our Dropdown Menu on our homepage, titled:
DROPDOWN: TRC 3—Third Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Republic of Korea (2026-?)
Please see:
You Can Submit Your Case To TRC 3 Independently Of Any Other “Korean Rights” Group
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Paperslip Note:
TRC 3 (the Third Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Republic of Korea) has announced (so far, in KOREAN only) the opening of submissions. There will be a TWO YEAR submission period, from February 26th, 2026—February 25th, 2028. This will be followed by a likely two year investigation period for those cases which have been accepted.
Not all cases will be accepted for submission, so please be sure to follow our BLOG and IMPORTANT NEWS sections, in addition to other information sources for updates regarding the TRC 3 submission process. It is NOT expected that there will be a TRC 4.
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Above: Pop-up window from TRC 3’s Korean website: https://www.jinsil.go.kr/
Our screencapture of the pop-up window was taken on February 9th, 2026.
We do not know how long this pop-up window will remain on the TRC 3 Korean site.
Below: Our ChatGPT English translation of the pop-up window from the TRC 3 KOREAN website is below. Please note: These guidelines are tailored to a KOREAN audience — those who LIVE or RESIDE IN KOREA.
Submission procedures for Overseas Adoptees who live OUTSIDE OF KOREA may be different in significant ways, which have not yet been formally announced by TRC 3 (as of this writing on February 9th, 2026). We will make an announcement through our BLOG (linked on our homepage) when ENGLISH guidelines are released for Overseas Adoptees.
Please DO NOT directly mail your submission materials to TRC 3 IF you live OUTSIDE OF KOREA! We do not yet know the submission guidelines for Overseas Adoptees who file INDEPENDENTLY apart from any group, and who live OUTSIDE OF KOREA. You should be able to submit your materials through your nearest Korean Consulate in your Western country of adoption or residence, but guidelines have not yet been officially announced. Please stay tuned — we will post more info. as it becomes available.
Thank you!
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“Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Past Affairs
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Republic of Korea
X (CLOSE pop up window)
February 26, 2026 – February 25, 2028
(Excluding public holidays)
Application Method
Submission by mail or in person
Paperslip Note: Please Note that TRC 3 has NOT yet made an announcement (as of February 9th, 2026) about how Overseas Korean Adoptees can submit their applications through Korean Consulates in their Western home countries of adoption or residence. Please DO NOT just directly TRC 3 with your application materials IF you live outside of S. Korea! We will post more information about the TRC 3 submission procedure as it becomes available through our BLOG. Please check back!
To local governments (province/metropolitan city, city, county, or district) or to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Past Affairs
Required Documents
One (1) Application for Truth Verification
Copy of the applicant’s ID
Documents verifying the applicant’s eligibility (e.g., Basic Certificate, Family Relations Register, Power of Attorney for代理/representative, etc.)
Paperslip Note: Please Note that you only need to have a Power of Attorney for代理/representative IF you plan to file your case with a representative group. Please note that TRC 3 allows you to file your case INDEPENDENTLY of any representative group through a Korean Consulate in your Western country of adoption or residence. We will post more information about the TRC 3 submission procedure as it becomes available through our BLOG. Please check back!
One (1) Personal Information Consent Form (each)
Any other materials that may assist the investigation
※ Application forms can be downloaded from the Commission’s website (www.jinsil.go.kr) or from the websites of local governments.
Paperslip Note: Please Note that these forms will be in KOREAN. We will update our page as soon as English application forms become available. Korean Consulates should be able to assist you IF you are only able to obtain a KOREAN version of TRC 3’s submission forms. We will post more information about the TRC 3 submission procedure as it becomes available through our BLOG. Please check back!
Scope of Truth Verification
Anti-Japanese independence movements carried out during or immediately before the Japanese colonial period
History of overseas Koreans who contributed to strengthening national capacity from the Japanese colonial period through December 1, 2005
Illegal mass civilian deaths, killings, injuries, disappearances, torture, and detention cases occurring before and after the Korean War following Liberation
Cases of death, injury, disappearance, torture, and detention caused by illegal or unjust exercise of public authority from Liberation until the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (November 25, 2001), as well as other serious human rights violations and suspected fabricated cases
Suspicious deaths involving terrorism, human rights abuses, violence, and massacres committed by state-hostile forces from Liberation through the period of authoritarian rule
Human rights violations occurring in social welfare facilities, adoption agencies, and mass confinement facilities directly operated, supported, managed, or supervised by the state or local governments prior to the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission
For detailed information related to applications and submissions, please refer to the Data Room → General Materials tab.
Inquiries: 02-3393-9700
Paperslip Note: Please DO NOT call TRC 3 with frivolous requests! They will likely only speak in Korean. Please understand that the scope of TRC 3’s investigation goes well beyond Overseas Korean Adoptees. Many other victims’ rights groups are also represented! Please do NOT think of TRC 3 as a “call center” for all of your questions. We will post more information about the TRC 3 submission procedure as it becomes available through our BLOG. Please check back!
Do not show (pop-up window) again today”