The article by Kim Min-cheol reflects on the recent passage of the amendment to the 'Basic Law for the Organization of Truth and Reconciliation for the Past' in the South Korean National Assembly, which marks the formal establishment of the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission. While the author expresses joy at this development, he also voices serious concerns regarding the government's plans for staffing and structure. He emphasizes that the commission's previous successes in identifying victims of facilities like the Brothers Home and those affected by forced overseas adoptions necessitate specialized investigators with expertise in various aspects of these cases, which seems insufficiently addressed in the government's proposed plans.

A significant point raised is the lack of a dedicated record management department in the commission's framework. The article underscores the critical importance of records in uncovering the truths of past injustices, considering them not merely as documents but as key evidence of wrongful deaths and vital means for families to heal from their traumatic experiences. Kim highlights that many families have struggled for years to uncover the truth about their relatives' unjust deaths and stresses the need for a systematic approach to managing these records as an essential starting point in acknowledging and rectifying historical wrongs.

Furthermore, the article stresses the necessity of preserving the records generated during the commission’s investigations. Kim argues that once victims have passed away, the only testimony left to recount those times will be the words and writings that remain. By maintaining these records, society can ensure that the injustices of the past are not repeated and serve as a warning for future generations. The call for an independent record management office reflects a broader need for comprehensive governance in addressing the tumultuous history of human rights violations in South Korea.