South Korean Human Rights Commission Meeting Disrupted as Two Commissioners Resign in Protest

A meeting of South Korea's National Human Rights Commission was disrupted when two standing commissioners walked out in protest. Oh Young-geun and Lee Sook-jin resigned from the session on Tuesday, expressing anger at Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho. They accused Ahn of unilaterally blocking a motion to abolish a previous recommendation concerning "Yoon's defense rights." This recommendation, initially passed in February last year, had been the subject of a joint motion by five commissioners to be rescinded and for a public apology. Oh argued that Ahn's refusal to put the motion to a vote violated commission regulations, which allow three or more commissioners to submit a motion. He expressed deep insult and anger at the perceived infringement of his deliberative and decision-making rights. The commissioners' departure led to the postponement of discussions on three out of five agenda items. Ahn, however, defended his actions, stating he followed legal procedures and principles. He cited precedent from former chairperson Song Doo-hwan, where submitted motions were subject to a voting procedure to determine if they should be put to a vote. Ahn claimed the motion to abolish a previous decision was unprecedented and required legal review regarding its appropriateness, especially without evidence of invalidity. He suggested that repealing past decisions based solely on changes in commission membership could politicize the institution. Ahn indicated the motion would be considered but emphasized the need for careful deliberation to avoid political influence and regain public trust. The commissioners who initiated the motion have requested an extraordinary plenary session on May 20th.

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The unfairness of not being able to deliberate, even though the motion was submitted according to the regulations of the National Human Rights Commission, is a severe insult and anger.