Truth and Reconciliation in South Korea

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The Korean War encompasses multiple conflicts, beginning on June 25, 1950, and rooted in Korea's colonial history, postcolonial aspirations, and external interventions. In South Korea, the war is a contentious issue, raising questions about which narratives should be remembered and how. The dominant discourse frames the conflict as a battle between evil communists and innocent Koreans, yet this narrative is challenged by the resilience of survivors who have endured state violence. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of the Republic of Korea (TRCK) plays a crucial role in reviving the voices of those silenced, complicating the official memory of the war, known as yugio, or the "June 25th war." However, the Commission also highlights a structural dilemma: its attempt to amplify these voices relies on the state to address its own wrongdoings. The TRCK navigates a complex boundary between violence and post-violence, insecurity and security, and exception and normalcy. The concepts of truth, reconciliation, and human security emerge from the ongoing process of defining and redefining these boundaries. This edited volume delves into the political struggles for the future as reflected in the TRCK's engagement with the past, which continues to resonate in the present.