The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decided to issue a public apology while revoking a previous recommendation it passed during the impeachment phase of former President Yoon Suk Yeol to guarantee his right to defense.

During its 17th plenary committee meeting, the NHRC tabled and modified-passed the agenda item concerning the "revocation of the plenary committee resolution dated February 10, 2025, and the decision to issue a public apology."

During the discussion process, the provision to scrap the previous resolution was excluded, leaving only the content to reflect on the past resolution and issue an apology in the name of the agency to pass.

Six members voted in favor, including Standing Commissioners Lee Sook-jin and Oh Young-geun, alongside non-standing commissioners So Ra-mi, Oh Wan-ho, Cho Sook-hyun, and Kim Min-moon-jung. Four members cast dissenting votes, including Standing Commissioner Kim Hak-ja and non-standing commissioners Kang Jung-hye, Han Seok-hoon, and Kim Yong-jik.

Chairperson Chang-ho Ahn did not participate in the vote and abstained.

This decision comes one year and eight months after the agenda item was originally passed. Inside and outside the NHRC, criticism that the move defended martial law had clashed with counterarguments that it was a recommendation to guarantee due process.

(Photo: Yonhap News)