Nominee's Martial Law Remarks Spark Controversy for Truth Commission Role

The nomination of Jang Young-soo, a distinguished constitutional law professor, to the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission has ignited a fierce debate, particularly concerning his views on the controversial 1979 martial law declaration. While Jang, recommended by the People Power Party, maintains that the declaration's classification as rebellion remains unconfirmed and requires further evidence, opposition parties have vehemently criticized his nomination.

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It has not been confirmed whether (the December 3 emergency martial law) was rebellion.

The Jo Guk Innovation Party has led the charge, issuing a statement that labels Jang as unfit for a commission tasked with rectifying distorted history. They point to his past remarks, where he allegedly stated that martial law was not confirmed as rebellion and that testimonies regarding the attempted neutralization of the National Assembly are conflicting. This stance, they argue, disqualifies him from a position dedicated to uncovering truths concealed by state power.

Jang, however, defends his position, asserting that he spoke as a constitutional scholar, offering a legal interpretation rather than aligning with any political party. His views remain unchanged, and he insists that a definitive judgment on the martial law declaration can only be made after a thorough examination of all evidence. This legalistic approach, while perhaps standard in academic circles, clashes sharply with the expectations of those seeking a clear condemnation of past authoritarian actions.

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There were indeed conflicting pieces of evidence, so we need to see which side is more persuasive and whether additional evidence is discovered.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Lee Dong-wook, another nominee for the commission and a former member of the 5.18 Democratic Uprising Investigation Committee, offered a starkly different perspective. Lee, who has a background in conservative media, condemned the martial law declaration as "more than rebellion, rebellion plus foreign aggression," citing a former intelligence chief's diary that allegedly details anti-human rights actions. He also criticized the conservative camp's perceived indifference to the 5.18 Uprising, suggesting a need for a more thorough reckoning with this pivotal historical event.

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Jang Young-soo argued that 'rebellion was not confirmed' and 'testimonies are conflicting regarding the attempt to neutralize the National Assembly.'

This divergence in viewpoints among the nominees highlights the deep divisions that persist regarding South Korea's modern history. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, intended to heal past wounds, finds itself at the center of these ongoing debates, with the selection of its members becoming a focal point for political and historical contention. The differing interpretations of events like the 1979 martial law declaration underscore the challenges in achieving a unified national understanding of the past.

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I believe I said what I had to say as a constitutional scholar. It wasn't about siding with a particular party, but I made a legal judgment. That position has not changed.