Seoul: Ahn Chang-ho, chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), is embroiled in a new controversy following his response letter to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The letter, which addresses procedural concerns raised by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions’ (GANHRI) Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), has drawn criticism for its timing and content, particularly amid the ongoing uncertainty regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn’s letter referenced a public opinion poll suggesting that nearly 50 percent of Koreans lack trust in the Constitutional Court. He emphasized the necessity to restore trust and ensure fairness in the court’s processes, a statement made in response to inquiries from the SCA regarding the NHRCK’s stance on the possibility of martial law being declared and the president’s legal rights. This stance has been perceived a
s aligning with President Yoon’s defense, raising questions about Ahn’s impartiality. The Constitutional Court has previously ruled that prosecution investigations could be used as evidence in the impeachment trial based on a 2017 precedent, despite objections from Yoon’s legal team.
Ahn included in his letter the NHRCK’s January proposal advocating for Yoon’s right to defense, notably omitting dissenting opinions from the document. Following the public release of the letter’s content, Ahn denied any intention of criticizing the Constitutional Court and rejected calls for an apology, should the letter negatively impact the NHRCK’s standing in the upcoming GANHRI review. He insisted that his actions were grounded in truth and aimed at defending human rights. Since its inception in 2001, Korea’s human rights commission has maintained an “A” rating, attributed to its independence, member diversity, and operational autonomy.
Ahn’s actions have sparked concern due to his apparent alignment with President Yoon’s
legal team and his history of involvement in controversies. Despite asserting that he does not fully endorse the president’s legal team, Ahn’s past as a former prosecutor and Constitutional Court justice raises questions about his ability to lead the commission effectively. His opposition to a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill and the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in the past prompted protests and doubts about his suitability for the role.
The current political climate in Korea is fraught with division, as evidenced by extreme polarization in public opinion polls and street demonstrations following the brief imposition of martial law in December. The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs reported a significant increase in the nation’s social conflict index last year, indicating heightened tension between conservatives and liberals.
As the Constitutional Court’s decision on impeachment looms, the actions and statements of high-ranking officials like Ahn Chang-ho carry significant weight and poten
tial consequences. It is imperative for Ahn to exercise caution and consider the implications of his words and deeds, given his influential position.