Human rights commission staff demand chairperson's resignation

Staff from the National Human Rights Commission of Korea's (NHRCK) military human rights division and education division have joined a growing chorus demanding the resignation of Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho. This escalation from individual executives to organized departmental calls signifies a deepening internal conflict within the commission.

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We believe the commission's status and role must not be further damaged. We urge you to make a responsible decision to step down to prevent further chaos and distrust.

The military human rights division investigators stated in a public post that the commission has faced widespread criticism for failing to fulfill its role during a recent "state of emergency." They specifically pointed to the commission's decision to urge protection for the defense rights of individuals accused of "insurrection," rather than focusing on the fundamental rights of citizens affected by the crisis. "We believe the commission's status and role must not be further damaged," the investigators wrote, urging Ahn to make a "responsible decision to step down" to prevent further chaos and distrust.

Similarly, the human rights education planning division posted their own statement calling for Ahn's resignation. They acknowledged that the commission has "reproduced hateful and discriminatory language" in recent years, significantly damaging the credibility of human rights education. "We, who work in human rights education, cannot stand by and watch our beloved NHRCK's endless fall," the division stated, believing the organization could become healthier if Ahn relinquished his post.

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We, who work in human rights education, cannot stand by and watch our beloved NHRCK's endless fall.

These departmental demands follow similar calls from other divisions and individual executives. Six department heads had previously announced their resignation from their posts, criticizing Ahn. Despite the mounting pressure from within, Ahn Chang-ho has consistently maintained his intention to remain in his position. He previously dismissed the resignation calls, stating at a staff meeting that "when different opinions lead to mature dialogue instead of criticism, our organization will become healthier."

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When different opinions lead to mature dialogue instead of criticism, our organization will become healthier.